Employment agreement essentials

An employment agreement is an essential document between the employer and the employee. They set up the fundamental terms and conditions of the employment relationship. Employers need to ensure they get the agreements right.

All employment agreements should be in writing and they must contain all of the following clauses (see s 65 of the Employment Relations Act 2000):

1. Names of the employee and the employer concerned
2. A description of the work to be performed by the employee
3. The location of the place of work
4. The hours to be worked
5. The wage or salary payable to the employee
6. An explanation in plain language of how to resolve any employment relationship dispute, including a reference to the 90 day period for raising personal grievances under section 114.