Employment contract

About this document

This contract is a variation of our standard one, tailored specifically for employees of businesses in the hospitality and leisure industries. The main additions are:

• provides for working unsociable hours and opt out of the Working Time Regulations

• flexibility in where the employee will work, including changing venues

• job description tailored to customer service and that includes producing and/or serving food and drink, including alcohol

• increased focus on hygiene and health and safety

• flexible working: this contract can either be used for full-time, part-time, and zero hours staff

• restraint of competitive trading and confidentiality makes it hard for the employee to set up in competition against you

The document covers all legal requirements for information to be given to an employee. It is a carefully considered framework for fair and full protection of the employer and compliance with organisational requirements. Use of plain English makes editing easy and allows it to be understood by all parties.

It can be used for all levels of staff below top management. You might be taking on a new barman or chef or you may want to replace out of date contracts with ones that comply with the current law.

Specifics for jobs, such as duties and training provision, can be added easily if required, either within the existing text, or by reference to a job description.

Note: in law part time or casual employees or trainees have exactly the same rights as full timers.

Recent law affecting this contract

This agreement is regularly reviewed as changes in employment law are frequent. For example, it takes into account that:

• the rights of all employees are now the same regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time

• it is unlawful to specify a default retirement age

Additionally, disciplinary procedures now follow procedures recommended by ACAS.

Features and contents

• Complies with current law
• Follows current best practice recommendations by ACAS and other bodies
• All standard terms for a principal statement
• Structured so as to minimise the administrative burden of legal compliance

The contract includes the following paragraphs:

• Start and continuity
• Trial period (or probation period)
• Job title and description
• Place of work
• Hours of work
• Salary
• Expenses
• Leave for holidays and other reasons
• Work outside the UK
• Pension
• Sickness and sick pay
• Other business and employment
• No competition
• Confidentiality
• Intellectual property
• Collective agreements
• Staff handbook and company policies
• Bribery and other corrupt behaviour
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Termination
• Procedure after termination
• Summary termination
• Reconstruction or amalgamation
• Data protection
• Severance and invalidity