Employment Contracts and Workplace Policies

Your employment contract and your employer’s workplace policies set out the terms and conditions of your job and how various issues at work should be handled. It is important to understand these documents so that you know your rights and what you can expect from your employer.

This page explains the key features of employment contracts, what workplace policies may apply to you, and how they operate in practice.

Key Terms in Your Contract

Written Statement of Employment Particulars

Under UK law, your employer must provide you with a written statement of employment particulars no later than your first day of employment. This document sets out the main terms of your employment, including:

  • your job title and duties
  • your start date
  • pay and how often you are paid
  • hours of work
  • place of work
  • holiday entitlement and pay
  • notice periods
  • any collective agreements

These details may form part of your contract or be provided alongside it.

Contract Terms

Your employment contract contains the legally binding core terms of your relationship with your employer. These typically include:

  • pay and benefits
  • hours of work and breaks
  • holiday entitlement
  • sick pay provisions
  • notice periods
  • disciplinary and grievance procedures (often referenced even if contained in separate policies)

It is important to read your contract carefully and ask for clarification if any term is unclear.

Workplace Policies and How They Affect You

Workplace policies explain how your employer manages various aspects of working life and help ensure consistent application of rules. Policies may cover areas such as:

These policies are often set out in a staff handbook or intranet. They are not always legally binding in the same way as your contract, but they may still form part of the terms of your employment if your contract refers to them.

When Contracts and Policies Interact

  • Contract terms are legally binding: breaking them may give rise to a breach of contract claim.
  • Policies set expectations and standards but are lawful only if applied reasonably and consistently.
  • Some policies are incorporated into your contract by reference, meaning they can carry contractual weight.

For example, if your contract states that sickness absence must be managed in accordance with your employer’s sickness policy, then elements of that policy may have contractual effect.

Your employer must apply both contracts and policies fairly, consistently and in line with employment law.

Can Your Employer Change Your Contract?

Your employer cannot unilaterally change your fundamental contractual terms (such as pay or hours) without your agreement. Proposed changes should normally be agreed in writing.

If you are asked to accept changes to your contract, take time to understand them and consider seeking advice if you are unsure of the effect.

Where workplace policies are updated, your employer should communicate these changes clearly and allow time for you to understand how they affect your working arrangements.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Breached

If you believe your employer has breached your contract or applied policies unfairly, you may be able to:

  • raise the issue internally through a grievance procedure
  • seek early advice from a solicitor or adviser
  • consider whether the matter gives rise to a tribunal claim (e.g., breach of contract, constructive dismissal, discrimination)

Remember that strict time limits often apply if you want to make a claim to the Employment Tribunal.

How We Can Help

Employment contracts and policies can be complex. Our solicitors can help you:

  • understand what your contract means
  • review whether policies have been applied fairly
  • advise on changes proposed by your employer
  • assist with grievance procedures
  • assess whether you have a claim for breach of contract or constructive dismissal

We provide clear, tailored advice to support you throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an employment contract?

An employment contract must set out key terms such as pay, hours, holiday entitlement, place of work and notice period. Your employer must provide a written statement by your first day.

Can my employer change my contract without my agreement?

No. Your employer generally cannot change core terms (e.g., pay, hours) without your consent. Any change should be agreed and confirmed in writing.

Are workplace policies legally binding?

Some policies may form part of your contract if your contract refers to them. Even is not contractual, policies must be applied fairly and consistently in line with employment law.