Most Important Things To Look For In An Employment Contract

The purpose of an employment contract is to disclose the responsibilities and expectations between the employee and the employer. In the case of controversies or something going wrong in the future, for example, you don’t receive the agreed upon salary, you can always refer back to your employment contract to solve the issues.
An employment contract is beneficial to the employee in many ways, for instance, if your employer unexpectedly decides to remove some benefits or extends your working hours without your approval, it is considered a breach of contract and you can take legal action.
However, here are the 7 things you need to look for before signing any contract:
1. The name of the employer and employee:
The name of the company should at least be stated in the contract, along with an address and a telephone number. Included should also be the name of the employee.
2. The job’s title and description:
This part of the contract is very important because it tells you exactly what is expected of you. If you sign and you do not fulfill your duties as stated in the contract, you will be in breach of your contract and will therefore be at risk for dismissal. The benefits of this part of the contract is that it will protect you against your employee changing your job without your approval.
3. Period of employment:
This should give you information on whether your position is temporary or permanent, and also whether a probation period is included and how long it is for. Check this part carefully.
4. Working Location:
Many fail to notice this and overlook it’s importance. The working location should be added, if not, it will be harder to confer relocation entitlements in case it changes.
5. Holiday or Leave entitlement:
Know the minimum leave requirements of your jurisdiction, and check that the leave offered in the contract does not go below the minimum requirements.
6. Notice Periods:
If the employer offers you a reduced notice period, then you should query it. There are minimum notice rights by law that you should be aware of.
7. Restrictive Contracts:
Some employers will prevent you from working for the competitors for a period of time after you leave. It could range from 6 months to one year and this can jeopardize your chances of employment after you leave. Try and reduce the period to better your chances of employment after you leave.

Culled from the internet