As of April 2020  all UK employers, including domestic employers, must provide their employee with a contract of employment on or before their first day of work.

Providing a comprehensive contract of employment to your employee, can help to prevent conflict and mitigate risk. As both parties will have a clear understanding, as to what is expected of them, from the outset of the employment.

Contract of Employment

A domestic employment contract should contain the terms and conditions of employment including:

  • Start date
  • Hours of work
  • Starting salary (we recommend agreeing a gross salary and using this figure within the contract.)
  • Holiday Entitlement and any other paid leave (i.e. sick pay / leave, compassionate leave)
  • Probationary and notice period
  • Details of any training the employee must undertake (including any training not paid for by the employer)
  • Details of any additional benefits offered by the employer

Some optional terms you may want to consider Privacy / Confidentiality and Relocation.

Domestic Employment Contract | Stafftax

Employer Responsibilities

All UK employees, including domestic and household staff, are entitled to receive a contract of employment (or a statement of employment terms), by their first day of employment. Once your employee has received their contract give them time to familiarise themselves with it and raise any queries that they may have.

Each of the terms and agreements in the contract must meet employment law standards. This includes offering statutory holiday entitlement and ensuring your employees salary is at or above the latest National Minimum Wage rates.

If it is nearing the employee’s start date, or they have already begun working, and have not yet received their contract, they are within their rights to request one.

Disputes and Issues

Whilst most employment scenarios are successful, sadly there are some cases where disputes do arise. In these instances the first port of call would be to refer to any relevant clauses within the contract of employment, as this will give you a better understanding of what has been agreed.

If you should have a dispute with your employee, Stafftax HR will provide advice and guidance to ensure issues are handled professionally and legally.

How can Stafftax help you

Contracts and HR Support

As part of our Stafftax payroll services you will receive a bespoke contract of employment, tailored for you and your domestic worker. You will also have access to a wide range of HR documentation through your Members Area, and ongoing support from our team of HR experts.

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