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Employment Contracts and Working Hours

Contracts of employment state agreements made between employers and employees. An employment contract forms the basis for a working relationship. Hence, it is important to understand how employment contracts work and what liabilities employers have in the United Kingdom.

How Do Contracts of Employment Work?

As a rule, the bond will be a legal written document. But, contracts of employment and working hours can be verbal understandings.

In most cases, even unwritten contracts of employment may be ‘legally’ valid (e.g. if contested in a court of law).

But, contractual working hours and employment contracts are clearer and safer when they exist in a written format.

The information in this guide includes details on the different types of workers and how their status affects their rights.

For Example:

After becoming an employer you must get adequate Employers’ Liability insurance (EL). The minimum coverage for a policy is £5 million and an authorised insurer must issue it.

Employers’ Liability insurance helps pay compensation if any of your employees get injured or they become ill through the work they carry out for you.

Note: The fine for not being properly insured is £2,500 per day and £1,000 for not displaying your EL certificate.


Employment Contracts UK Law Guide

This section contains free advice about the rights of employees and employers. Extra guidance covers important issues relating to working overtime and making changes to worker employment contracts.

Anti-bribery Policy

It is illegal to receive or accept bribes, offer, promise, give, request, or agree to a bribe in the UK. Under the Bribery Act 2010, your anti-bribery policy should reflect the level of risk facing your business.

Bullying and Harassment at Work

The guide explains common signs of workplace bullying and harassment (with examples). Find out what it is and what action workers can take according to the Equality Act 2010.

Construction Industry Scheme

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is one of the special tax deduction schemes. As a rule, tax gets deducted at source from CIS payments relating to building work.

Continuous Employment

Being ‘continuously employed’ for a minimum period influences certain rights for your employees. But, the beginning and end dates of continuous employment determine individual rights.

Employee Ownership Businesses

Most employee owned businesses tend to be highly productive and extremely innovative. That’s because all employees own a ‘significant and meaningful’ financial stake in the company.

Flexible Working Arrangements

Find out how to request flexible working and the procedure to follow. Check out some reasons employers can give to reject it and how to appeal.

Holiday Entitlement and Pay

The holiday entitlement section is useful for workers and all employers. Use the guide to check holiday pay rights and calculate leave entitlement.

Part-time Workers’ Rights

Employers should avoid treating their part-time workers less ‘favourably’ than full timers. Check a guide that explains employment rights of part time workers in the United Kingdom.


Employment Contracts

A Contract of Employment

What is it and what should be in one? Find out how the terms and agreements in an employment contract work and what the law defines for them.

Contractual Changes

Check out the reasons for making changes to employment contract terms and conditions. Both parties need to understand their rights before getting the contract changed.

Contract Types

Employers need to understand the key differences in employment contracts. Find out how the different contract types affect employer responsibilities.

Employment Status

It defines the basic rights and responsibilities people have in the workplace. Find out the work rights for the main types of employment status in the United Kingdom.

Fixed-Term Contracts

A fixed term employee contract is a special contractual working relationship. The purpose of a fixed-term employment contract is to last for a specific period of time.

Preventing Discrimination

All employers must prevent unlawful discrimination in the workplace. The guide explains how preventing discrimination applies to recruitment and in employment.

Work Relocation Law

What are your rights if your employer moves the company location? A lot depends on whether there is a ‘mobility clause’ written in the employment contract.


Working Hours

Night Time Workers

The guide explains employment rules on night working hours in the United Kingdom. Check out some exceptions to the night working limits and how health assessments work.

Overtime Laws

Employees have no statutory right to get paid for working overtime. So, what are your rights for working extra hours and how do overtime laws work in the United Kingdom?

Rest Breaks

There are several important reasons for taking rest breaks at work. Check the rights of workers to take a break, how long you should take, and some exceptions to the rules.

Sunday Workers

As a rule, Sunday working has become standard procedure for most betting shops and retail staff. But, it is important to understand your rights and the rules for working on Sundays.

Working Time Regulations (WTR)

WTR governs the maximum weekly working hours in the UK. Find out how to calculate weekly working hours and working time limits for young workers.


Contracts of Employment and Working Hours in United Kingdom