Many failing to read employment contracts properly

At least 5.1 million Brits fail to read their employment contracts properly, according to new research from Which? Legal Service.

In a survey of over 4,000 members of the British public, the consumer group found that 26% of workers only skim read their employment contracts, while 6% admitted to not having read them at all.

Only three in ten employees received their contract before starting their job, and 9% didn't get a contract until they'd been in the post for six months or more.

Overall, at least two million workers in Britain do not have an employment contract.

Which? Chief Executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, said:

"Our research shows that many people fail to take the time to read their employment contracts properly, which means they have no idea what they've signed up to and could be in for a shock in the future.

"Always read your contract before signing it and check that the terms – such as salary, holiday entitlement, notice period and redundancy procedure – are in line with what your employer agreed at your interview. Dotting the 'i's and crossing the 't's could pay dividends in the long-term."

All employers are required to issue employees with a written statement of certain terms of employment. Workplace Law's Employment Contract and Management Guide v.5.0 has been published to help employers ensure that they comply with their requirements under law and to provide a clear record of the agreement between employer and employee.

Areas covered by the contract include:

• Job title and duties;
• Hours of work;
• Salary;
• Pensions and benefits;
• Expenses and deductions;
• Holiday entitlements;
• Absence and sick pay;
• Confidentiality;
• Termination;
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures;
• Health and safety; and
• Data protection.

The policy also comes with a 23-page Management Guide containing helpful notes on the policy and alternative provisions for employers.