No contract of employment

[wookette]

ive never been given a contract to sign by my employer. where does this leave me legally? ive been working there for 8 months

[Ethel]

You do have a contract - you just don't have it in writing.

However, your employer should give you a written contract within 2 months of staring work, setting out the terms and conditions. Ask him again for a written contract.

As you don't have a written contract, if there is a staff handbook your terms and conditions will be as stated in that.

If your company doesn't have a handbook, then the industry standards and the law will apply.

You will still be entitled to 28 days paid holiday, redundancy pay, statutory sick pay, a right to claim unfair dismissal exactly as if you did have a written contract.

Submit a request in writing for your written terms.

[wookette]

Thanks Ethel. ive never been paid for time off either - actually thought it was 14 days paid leave so 28 is a bonus!

[buildersmate]

It's called a written statement of employment particulars. It must contain at least the following:-
The name of the employer
When you started work
Either your job title or a brief description of duties
Where you work
The address of the employer
How much you get paid and the frequency (weekly, monthly etc.)
Your hours of work
How much holiday you get
Amount of notice to be given
Any pension or company sick pay scheme (if applicable)
(That's most of it - there may be a couple of more things - can't remember without checking)

[Ethel]

That 28 days can include bank holidays, wookette - 8 days in England and Wales, so you should get at least 20 more days holiday.

This is assuming you work full time.