How to Write an Employment Contract in the UK
A written employment contract can bring the main terms of the working relationship together in one place. It should also distinguish contractual terms from policies and reflect the person’s true employment status.
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Record the employer and individual accurately, together with the job title or a clear description of the work and the relevant start date.
Set out pay and working time
State pay and how often it is paid, normal hours and days of work, and how those hours or days may vary.
Cover holiday, leave and sickness
Make the holiday entitlement clear and explain the relevant sick pay and paid-leave arrangements, or clearly identify where accessible information about them can be found.
Address probation, notice and duration
If there is a probation period, temporary term or fixed end date, record it clearly. Include the notice periods that apply when employment ends.
Be clear about policies and other documents
If handbooks, collective agreements or policies form part of the contract, say so clearly. Acas notes that contractual terms can also be incorporated from other documents.
Check the legal minimums
Contract wording cannot remove statutory minimum rights. Employers should ensure the terms comply with current employment law and seek professional advice for complex arrangements.
Official guidance: Acas employment contracts GOV.UK written statements. This is general information, not legal advice. Employment status and contractual rights depend on the facts and the law that applies.