Employment Contract: 10 Clauses to Read

Meta Description: Use this employment contract checklist to review 10 key clauses on pay, hours, notice and exit terms before you sign.

Slug: employment-contract-checklist-10-clauses-read-before-you-sign

Subtitle: One signature turns a job offer into a legal promise, so know exactly what you are agreeing to.

Starting a new job can be an exciting time however people often get caught up and just sign the employment contract. An employment contract contains legal terms that will impact your income, time and future. Knowing the key 10 clauses will help avoid any future issues.

Employment Contract Checklist: 5 Terms Related to Salary/Work

There are several terms to be mindful of. Maria signed an employment contract checklist with a term that said salary to be discussed. She then discovered she wasn’t receiving extra pay for her late shifts!

The key things to look out for are:

•Job Description & Responsibilities – To ensure you won’t be given any extra tasks by the employer.

•Salary & Bonuses – How much you’ll earn (Gross), when you’ll be paid, currency and who decides on the bonus.

•Working Hours & Overtime – How many hours a week, days off and how overtime will be paid.

•Holiday – Will you get paid holiday, sick leave and bank holidays?

•Probation Period – How long the probation period is and whether your rights/pay change.

10 Terms to Read Before Signing to Protect Your Future

These 5 terms are the most important to look out for if you want to leave the job, change roles or there is a conflict. Keep this checklist with you!

•Notice Period – How long you’ll have to work once you’ve given notice. It should be fair for both parties.

•Non-Compete – This could mean you can’t work for a competitor. Check how long it lasts and where. In some countries the rules are limited or not applied.

•Confidentiality & Intellectual Property – Ensure they cannot claim ownership over anything you create including your own projects.

•Dismissal & Redundancy – Under what circumstances can you be dismissed? Will you be paid?

•Jurisdiction – Tells you which country’s laws apply. If you are working remotely or overseas this is very important.

Ask for some time to read through the document (a few days). Any changes should be written down. If the document is complex, ask the labour office, trade union or lawyer to explain.

Always use this checklist. Taking your time to read will help protect your future career the best.