Written Statement of Employment Particulars
Employers must provide a written statement of particulars on day one. Learn what must be included and the legal requirements.
Since 6 April 2020, employers must provide a written statement of employment particulars on or before the employee's first day of work.
What Must Be Included - Day One
The following must be provided on day one:
Principal Statement
- Names of employer and employee
- Start date of employment
- Continuous employment date (if different)
- Job title or description of work
- Place of work or indication that employee works at various places
- Pay - amount, frequency, and how it's calculated
- Working hours - days and hours of work
- Holiday entitlement and holiday pay
- Sick pay arrangements
- Pension arrangements
- Notice periods for both parties
- If fixed-term - the end date
- If agency worker - the identity of the hirer
Training Entitlement
Any training entitlement provided by the employer, including whether any training is mandatory and whether the employer will pay for it.
What Can Be Given Within 2 Months
Some information can be provided in a separate document within 2 months:
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Details of collective agreements
- Information about work outside the UK (if applicable)
- Details of any other paid leave
Changes to the Statement
If any of the particulars change, employers must inform the employee in writing within one month of the change.
Who Is Entitled?
All employees and workers are entitled to a written statement, including:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Fixed-term employees
- Zero-hours workers
- Agency workers
Failure to Provide
If an employer fails to provide a written statement, the employee can:
- Request one in writing
- Bring a claim to an employment tribunal
The tribunal can award 2-4 weeks' pay if the claim is successful alongside another successful claim (e.g., unfair dismissal).
Best Practice
Most employers provide a full employment contract that includes all the written statement requirements plus additional terms. This is better practice as it:
- Provides complete clarity for both parties
- Reduces the risk of disputes
- Protects the employer's interests with additional clauses
Related answers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a written statement of employment particulars?
- A written statement is a legal document that employers must give employees on their first day of work. It contains key terms of employment including pay, working hours, holiday entitlement, and job title.
- Is a written statement the same as an employment contract?
- No. A written statement is a summary of the main terms, while an employment contract can include additional terms and conditions. However, many employers combine both into one document.
- What happens if an employer doesn't provide a written statement?
- Employees can make a claim to an employment tribunal. If the claim is successful alongside another claim, the tribunal can award 2-4 weeks' pay as compensation.