New job: your written terms must be given on day one

When you start work you have the right to a written document setting out your main terms. It is not a courtesy — it is a legal requirement.

What the law requires

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 1), the employer must give a written statement of particulars in a single document and no later than the first day of employment.

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What must be in it

It includes, among other things: the names of the parties and the start date; the rate and method of pay and how often it is paid; working hours and days, and whether they can vary; holiday and holiday pay; sick-leave and sick-pay terms; the notice each side must give; the job title or a description of the work; the place of work and the employer's address; any probationary period and its terms; pension rights; and training entitlement. If part of the work is abroad for over a month — the period, the pay currency and the terms for returning.

If you aren't given it

Not providing written terms is a breach. There is no standalone claim for this alone, but if you bring a tribunal claim on another matter you can seek compensation for the missing statement. And without written terms it is harder to prove what was agreed — so ask for the document straight away.