EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Too often employees, keen to get that new job, will sign whatever their new employer puts in front of them. You don’t want to rock the boat…but do you know what you’re signing?

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ADVICE

An employment contract is an important document because it sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the employee and employer.

You should know what you’re agreeing to and what you can expect from your new bosses.

It is our experience that understanding and knowing your obligations and those of your employer at the commencement of your employment is a critical starting point to developing a successful, productive, safe and harmonious work environment.

As Lawyers for employees we think it’s important that every employee being asked to sign an employment contract have the opportunity get advice just like their employer did.

If things don’t turn out as you expect, knowing the rights of each party under the contract, may give you the tools to manage your employer if they do not hold up their end of the bargain.

Understanding issues like entitlements to allowances and overtime, or even how to resolve a dispute if one arises during your working day can be very valuable.

As the old saying goes, ‘you should not sign something that you don’t understand’.  You might be surprised to learn that your contract of employment can contain obligations that exist both during and after your employment with your employer.

For example, clauses relating to:

• confidential information;
• health and safety;
• restraints of trade; and/or
• intellectual property

may continue to apply to you after your employment ends.

Identifying any questions you have about the employment contract before you start work, gives you the opportunity to seek clarity about those matters before they become an issue.

Similarly, if you wish to make changes to the employment contract, then it is best to negotiate those changes prior to starting work, rather than raising the issues after your employment has commenced.