If you’re employed, chances are that you have an employment contract.
If you are in process of seeking employment or have already been offered a job then you will most certainly receive an Employment Contract to sign, from your prospective employers.
An employment contract is a legal document, and, while you are probably very honoured to have landed your dream job, remember that you still need to read through your employment contract very carefully.
You have the right to peruse your Employment Contract at your own leisure. Never feel pressured to sign it immediately. A professional company will give you time to read through your full contract before signing it.
Be very wary of being pressured into signing your contract, without having had the time to peruse it.
If it is a basic contract, you should be given at least 24 hours from the time that you receive your contract to the time that your employers expect it to be signed and returned. You should also be given a copy of the contract that you signed. Do not feel pressured to sign the contract, before reading through it thoroughly and seeking advice from a labour law consultant (if necessary).
Also be aware of any addendums that you will be required to sign. This could include an internet policy or a confidentiality clause.
Remember that once you sign an Employment Contract, you have an obligation to fulfil that contract, and to perform your duties to the best of your ability. If you feel unsure about the company that you are going to work for, the work that you will be required to do, or anything else, then think carefully before signing.
Some issues to check before signing (remember that it’s often the small things that are taken for granted or overlooked!):
If you are in process of seeking employment or have already been offered a job then you will most certainly receive an Employment Contract to sign, from your prospective employers.
An employment contract is a legal document, and, while you are probably very honoured to have landed your dream job, remember that you still need to read through your employment contract very carefully.
You have the right to peruse your Employment Contract at your own leisure. Never feel pressured to sign it immediately. A professional company will give you time to read through your full contract before signing it.
Be very wary of being pressured into signing your contract, without having had the time to peruse it.
If it is a basic contract, you should be given at least 24 hours from the time that you receive your contract to the time that your employers expect it to be signed and returned. You should also be given a copy of the contract that you signed. Do not feel pressured to sign the contract, before reading through it thoroughly and seeking advice from a labour law consultant (if necessary).
Also be aware of any addendums that you will be required to sign. This could include an internet policy or a confidentiality clause.
Remember that once you sign an Employment Contract, you have an obligation to fulfil that contract, and to perform your duties to the best of your ability. If you feel unsure about the company that you are going to work for, the work that you will be required to do, or anything else, then think carefully before signing.
Some issues to check before signing (remember that it’s often the small things that are taken for granted or overlooked!):
- Notice period (including during and after Probation period)
- Probation period
- Leave days available to you
- Sick/Family/Study/Annual leave policy
- Job Description – ask for a job description, as this is usually not included in your EC
- Issues pertaining to 13th / 14th cheques, annual bonuses, performance bonuses
- Your title – (you do not want to find out that you have been listed as ‘Receptionist’ when you are in fact doing the duties of an Executive PA!)
A good idea is to get someone that you trust to read through your contract – this could be a spouse, partner, parent or good friend. If you know someone with a legal background, ask them to assist you in this regard.
Keep a copy of your EC on a safe place.
And remember the 3 golden rules:
Read
your employment contract carefully
Think
carefully about what you are signing
Seek
advice from someone with labour law knowledge, if you are in any doubt about anything in your contract
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