Do staff need a written statement of employment terms?
Employment Rights Act 1996, section 1
When this applies
Everyone you employ, including workers and part-timers, has a day-one right to a written statement of their main employment terms. Check that every person on your team has one, and that it covers all the required particulars, not just pay and hours.
When it does not apply
This only applies when you employ staff. If you hire anyone, prepare a written statement or employment contract before their first day, it is a day-one legal right.
What is at stake
A tribunal can award an extra 2 to 4 weeks' pay per person on top of any other successful claim if you failed to provide a compliant written statement. It also weakens your position in any dispute about terms.
What to do
Give every employee and worker a written statement of their main terms (pay, hours, holiday, place of work, notice periods and more) on or before their first day. A compliant employment contract covers this. Use the GOV.UK employment contract guidance to check the required particulars.
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Check your business →Reviewed: 2026-07-10 · Source: official guidance