About to sign a new employment contract? There may be some clauses you want to include before signing your employment contract, so that you are not surprised later.
1. Working hours
Every company has a different work culture. You could be expected to work long hours, in the evenings or over weekends. Make sure you check all of this with the employer before signing, as well as how and if you will be paid for this, so that there are no unexpected surprises.
If they use the phrase “overtime work may be expected from time to time”, ask them to clarify how often they would require overtime and, if possible, get this in writing. Employers could try to use this phrase to cover themselves if you complain later down the line about working overtime on a regular basis. If overtime is needed, you must agree to it and may not work for more than 12 hours a day or more than 10 hours overtime a week.
2. Remote working
Many employers have been making use of work-from-home policies during the pandemic, but with restrictions being lifted, they may expect new or current employees to be in the office full-time. If you are under the impression that you will be allowed to work from home some or all of the time, because this is how the company has been operating over the last two years, be sure to confirm this with the employer and get it in writing that they will allow you to work from home and how often.
Working from home is not a right, and you could find yourself facing unexpected problems if, for example, you accept a job thinking that you will be able to work from home but actually you have to travel in to an office and you cannot afford the travel costs. It could also have implications for traditional employee benefits like car and travel allowances, as well as for information security, intellectual property, health and safety, and other compliance matters.
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* This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. This is not financial advice. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.