Employment Contracts and Workplace Policies

Employment contracts need not be in writing. As soon as someone begins to work for an employer a contract arises. However, a statement of the main terms of employment must be given within two months of commencement of employment, and this often doubles as evidence of the contractual term. It is infinitely preferable to have a written contract, so that at a later date its terms do not have to be deduced by a court or a tribunal. That contract can also specify which parts are contractually binding and which are matters of policy only, such as any disciplinary/grievance procedure.