One of my employees has not signed his employment contract. What should I do?
If they haven’t started working for you yet
- Make sure you have given them a contract to read and sign before they start (I know that some of you don’t like doing this, but believe me it is easier and protects your business more to do it this way round!).
- Make it clear that you expect them to either return it before they start or on their first day.
- If they come in without a signed contract, because they “forgot” it, then print out two copies of the contract (one for them, one for you) and get them to sign it there and then.
- If they want to “think about it” then send them home to think about it, and to come back when they have signed.
- Of course if they don’t understand a clause then explain it to them or get your HR advisor to do so.
- But under no circumstances let them start work before they have signed. Don’t let yourself be fobbed off with “I’ll sign it tonight and bring it in tomorrow”.
- No signed contract, no work.
It’s difficult to keep up-to-date of changing employee legislation, when it’s not your full-time job. Carolyne and her team are aware of this and can point us in the right direction, often before we’re aware we need it! Steve Varcoe, Enmore Park Golf Club