You must have a temporary work contract if you're hiring temporary employees. Employment contracts are essential for establishing specific standards for your business and ensuring that you and your employee clearly understand what each party expects and what will occur in the event of a dispute.
Temporary employment agreements provide security and protection for both employees and businesses, outlining the employment terms and establishing specific conditions. To assist you in devising your temporary employment contract, we’re going to discuss what temporary contracts should contain and provide a temp contract template to help you get started.
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What Is A Temporary Employment Contract?
Temporary employment contracts are legally binding agreements between employers and employees. You can use a fixed-term employment contract, which specifies a fixed start and end date. As an alternative to fixed-term contracts, you can use a temporary contract set over a specific time period, but it can be extended. For example, you may consider a temporary hire for a permanent position if they perform exceptionally well in their job role.
For more insights into why businesses opt for temporary hires, explore our article on the reasons to hire a temp.
What Should A Temporary Contract Include?
You should use an employment contract once you’ve sent a temporary employment agreement letter with a formal job offer. Here, we’ll reveal what a contract should include and provide a free employment contract template for you to take inspiration from.
Terms of Appointment
The first thing your temporary employment contract should define is the terms of appointment. This document outlines the initial start and end dates and explains that the contract can be extended if both parties agree.
Conditions of Offer
Are there any conditions of employment associated with the offer? The temporary position could be subject to satisfactory references, the right to work in the UK or confirmation of academic achievements.
Information About Both Parties
Information about both parties should be stated, including employment location, full name and address of the employee, national insurance number, contact details and next of kin.
Hours of Work
Whether the role is part-time or full-time, the number of work hours an employee works needs to be disclosed. This should be the exact hours, not including any overtime hours an employee worked.
Duties
A contract should clearly define the employee’s role and responsibilities. This could also include any staff members responsible for the temporary employee.
Dress Code
If your business has a specific dress code, it should be clearly stated. For example, many companies have a ‘no jeans’ policy.
Pay Rate
The salary should be specified, including any holiday or sick pay to which the employee may be entitled. Discover our recommendations for the best temporary payroll services to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Termination of Position
If a project may be completed before the end of the contract date, you can include this in a termination clause in the contract. This can also include information on instances when you may terminate the employee’s agreement, such as unacceptable behaviour.
Absences
What are your procedures for staff absences? This could contain pay information, deductions, authorisation, etc.
Data Protection
Including a data protection clause demonstrates to employees that you are GDPR compliant when handling their personal data.
Performance and Conduct
This can be mentioned in this section if you’re offering performance bonuses. You can also include a code of conduct that outlines the consequences for employees who are sanctioned or whose performance is deemed unacceptable.
Signatures
The temporary work contract requires signatures from both parties, the date signed and printed names.
Temporary Work Contract Template
You can use this temporary employment contract sample to influence your own temporary contract template. Remember to seek legal advice with your contract template to ensure it’s a legally binding document.
This temporary employment contract is between the employer ______ of _________ and the employee _____ of __________. Under the general terms of the temporary contract, both parties agree that this is not a permanent contract of employment. The employee will be considered a temporary employee of the company from ______ to _______. Any additional overtime will be paid at the standard rate of _______ and shall not be construed as a permanent employment relationship. Any renewal will be confirmed in writing.
The employee’s job title is _______, and the main duties are as outlined below.
The employee’s normal place of work is __________. The employee may be required to work at [other locations/remote] on reasonable notice. Travel to other locations will be handled in line with company policy.
The employee will be paid a salary of £_______ for the temporary period of employment and will work the hours of ______ to _______ on days _______ to _______. Pay is [weekly/monthly], in arrears, by [bank transfer] on or around [day/date]. Deductions will be made only as permitted by law or agreed in writing.
The employee is entitled to [pro-rated number] days’ paid holiday during this temporary contract, equivalent to 5.6 weeks per year pro-rata. Unused holiday at the end of the term will be [paid/forfeited].
The employee will adhere to the company code of conduct and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in relation to company policies, which are available at __________.
In an absence due to sickness, the employee must notify _______ by _______ on the first day of absence. Subject to eligibility, the employee will receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at the prevailing rate.
The employee will be required to follow the company dress code during working hours. The responsibilities and duties of the employee include ___________ and __________.
If the employee decides to terminate this contract, they will only be paid for the hours of work completed. Either party may terminate this contract by giving __________ written notice.
Should the employee have violated company policies, they will be subject to disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment. The company’s Disciplinary Procedure and Grievance Procedure apply and are available at __________.
The company will process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection law.
By signing this contract, both parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined herein. Furthermore, the employee agrees to perform the duties outlined in this agreement.
Signed _____ Printed Name __ Date __
Signed__ (on behalf of company ____) Printed Name_____ Date __
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