Worke Rights - Contract Question

Is it law that all employers should give their staff a contract? Myself and all my workmates dont have and have never even discussed one at all. I have been at the same company since 1992! Should I ask for one or will I be shooting myself in the foot.

[Quiff Wichard]

you should have a contract of employment yes.. request a wriiten one--... you need a job description too... however, present climate- do you want to be seen as a troublemaker/maverick if you feel secure anyway... not having a contract may work in your favour at some point if you can prove your years of employment..


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employme...ns/DG_10027905

[G]

Its a funny one that......I worked at a previous employer and they started to annoy me. I never signed a contract so knew I had basic rights but that they had no real power over me.

In the end I left without notice due to having no contract.....was good stuff.

[Rich]

When i started my job we agreed upon a verbal contract and then as a few more people were employed a written one was given to us to sign. I didn't agree with a few things on it so i never signed it and i still have it gathering dust. There was no problem before i had one and there still isn't now.. The problem with a written contract i find it's always in favour of the employer,, well it was in my case so we agreed to stick to my verbal one. Swings and roundabouts, thats my contract!!

I see it from both angles really, I dont want to rock it and wreck it for myself. But they are starting to impose rules, new jobs and extended duties over and above what I have been doing for many years. I do get paid more than before though. For the meantime I will sit tight, work my **** off and see how things pan out.

Thanks for your comments.

You're entitled to a written summary of terms of employment within 13 weeks of starting.