Employment Law - Appointment

Once the decision has been made to offer employment, the candidate should be furnished with a letter or other document (both will constitute the contract of employment) setting out the terms upon which employment is being offered. The document should be signed on behalf of the employer, and should also provide for signature by the employee accepting the offer of employment on the particular terms. Care should be taken that the document is returned and kept safely. An employer if it has not already done so, must within two months of the commencement of employment give the employee a written statement of the terms and conditions of employment.

The document may include a provision for an initial probationary period. Legislation allows for a probationary term of no more than 12 months. It would be usual to have a probationary term of six or nine months, and in certain instances after that period the employer may find it necessary to extend, in writing, that period up to the maximum of 12 months. Whatever the length of the period stipulated subject to that maximum, a record should be kept at the outset of the length of the period being granted so as the employee's suitability can be assessed in sufficient time before the expiry of the probationary period.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.