Legal Question in Employment Law in United Kingdom

Employment Contract

I have worked for a company for over two years - I never received/signed a contract (only a introduction letter which I had to sign.)

This has now been realised, and I am being pressurised into signing something that I am not 100% happy about.

Is it in my interest to have a contract, or should I hold out to get the clauses I don't like removed.

Are they in the wrong for employing someone without an employment contract?

Or am I in a vulnerable position?

Many thanks,--name removed--


Asked on 11/14/05, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Dutton Legal -Zone

Re: Employment Contract

Although you may not have signed a written contract of employment there is an oral contract between you and your employer which covers your employment.What is now being asked for is for the terms of your employment to be put in writing.

It would sound from what you say that the terms of the written contract now being pressed upon you are fundamentally different from your oral contract and the terms of employment you have worked under for the past 2 yearts. Accordingly your employer is trying to unilaterally vary the terms of your employment. They may not do so without your agreement and you are under no obligation to sign the new contract.

It may well be the case that you are prepared to renegotiate the terms of your employment whereupon for suitable consideration you would accept the new terms.

Please let us know if further advice is required if we might assist further.

Andrew Dutton

Legal Zone

[email protected]

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Answered on 11/15/05, 9:26 am


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