What Must Be Included in a UK Employment Contract (2025)
UK law requires employers to provide certain information to employees within 2 months of starting work. Here's what you must include to stay compliant with ACAS guidelines.
Legal Requirement (2020 Update)
Since April 2020, employers must provide a written statement of employment particulars on or before an employee's first day of work. This applies to all workers, not just employees.
10 Essential Elements Required by Law
1. Names of Employer and Employee
Full legal names of both parties. If the employer is a company, use the registered company name exactly as it appears on Companies House.
2. Start Date
The date employment begins. If there's previous continuous employment that counts toward employment rights (e.g., from a TUPE transfer), include that date too.
3. Job Title and Description
A clear job title and brief description of duties. You don't need exhaustive detail, but the employee should understand their role and main responsibilities.
4. Place of Work
The employee's usual workplace. If they work at multiple locations or remotely, state this clearly. Include details about mobility requirements if applicable.
5. Salary and Payment Details
Rate of pay (hourly, monthly, or annual) and payment frequency. Must state whether pay is weekly, monthly, or otherwise. Include details of any overtime rates if applicable.
6. Hours of Work
Normal working hours per week. If hours vary, state "variable" and provide details of the working pattern. Must now include information about evening, night, and weekend working.
7. Holiday Entitlement
Number of paid holiday days per year (minimum 28 days for full-time, including bank holidays). State whether bank holidays are included or additional to the entitlement.
8. Notice Periods
How much notice both parties must give to end employment. Statutory minimum is 1 week after 1 month of service, increasing to 2 weeks after 2 years.
9. Probation Period (If Applicable)
If there's a probationary period, state its length and any different terms that apply during this time. Typical probation periods are 3-6 months.
10. Pension Scheme Information
Details of the workplace pension scheme, including whether it's a qualifying scheme and the contribution rates for employer and employee.
Additional Information to Include
While not legally required on day one, these should be provided within 2 months:
- •Sick pay and procedures for reporting sickness
- •Disciplinary and grievance procedures
- •Any collective agreements that affect the terms
- •Training entitlement and requirements
What Happens If You Don't Include Everything?
Failure to provide a compliant written statement can result in:
- →Employment tribunal claims: Employees can take you to tribunal for not providing proper particulars
- →Financial penalties: Tribunals can award 2-4 weeks' pay if the employee wins another claim and you didn't provide particulars
- →Disputes and confusion: Unclear terms lead to misunderstandings and potential legal issues down the line
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