{"id":17260,"date":"2026-08-05T11:14:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T10:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=17260"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T10:29:00","slug":"contract-of-employment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/contract-of-employment\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a contract of employment?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is a contract of employment?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWondering what a contract of employment should cover? This guide explains the legal implications, what to include, and the different types of contracts used in the UK. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T11:14:25+01:00\">5 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is a contract of employment?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/contract-of-employment\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/esthercooke\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/Esther-Cooke-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Esther Cooke\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/Esther-Cooke-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/Esther-Cooke.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Esther Cooke<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A contract of employment is a legally binding agreement between an employer and employee that sets out the terms and conditions of the working relationship, including job responsibilities, salary, working hours, and notice periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the UK, employers are legally required to provide a written statement of employment particulars within two months of a new employee&#8217;s start date.&nbsp;Understanding what they should&nbsp;contain&nbsp;and when they should be used is important for both employees and employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A contract of employment is legally binding even if it was never written down<\/strong> \u2014 but UK employers must still provide a written statement of employment particulars within two months of the start date, and failing to do so carries legal consequences. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Statutory rights apply whether or not the contract mentions them<\/strong> \u2014 minimum wage, 5.6 weeks&#8217; paid holiday including bank holidays, statutory notice based on length of service, and protection against unfair dismissal can&#8217;t be contracted away. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A thorough contract covers four areas: the basics, pay and leave, termination and conduct, and legal clauses<\/strong> \u2014 ambiguity around salary, hours, notice, and restrictive covenants is what tends to cause disputes later. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employers can&#8217;t change contract terms unilaterally<\/strong> \u2014 any change needs the employee&#8217;s agreement, and significant changes imposed without it can give grounds for a constructive dismissal claim, so a new contract or formal amendment should follow any promotion, pay change, or shift in responsibilities. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>There are eight common contract types in the UK: permanent, fixed-term, temporary, zero-hours, freelance, agency, casual, and apprenticeship<\/strong> \u2014 the right one depends on the nature of the work, and fixed-term and part-time employees hold the same rights as permanent staff, pro rata where relevant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s&nbsp;what&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;cover:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#why\" data-level=\"2\">Why are employment contracts important?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what\" data-level=\"2\">What kinds of situations should an employment contract be requested for?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#are\" data-level=\"2\">What are the legal implications of a contract&nbsp;of&nbsp;employment in the UK?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#of\" data-level=\"2\">What kind of information should be specified in a contract of employment?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#some\" data-level=\"2\">What are some different types of employment contracts?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#final\" data-level=\"2\">Get employment contracts right from the start&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-a077ab0f-5499-4fb7-adac-a1037bb604b3\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-a077ab0f-5499-4fb7-adac-a1037bb604b3\"\n\t>Download your free copy of How to set up an HR function and give your people the support they need to thrive at your business<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are employment contracts important?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employment contracts protect both employers and employees by setting clear expectations, preventing misunderstandings, and providing a legal framework for resolving disputes. Without one, both parties are more exposed if the working relationship breaks down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By clearly setting out the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, contracts help communication, prevent misunderstandings, and create a shared understanding of the working relationship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also typically cover intellectual property ownership, confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration or mediation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;standardised&nbsp;terms and conditions, contracts also help ensure fair and consistent treatment, reducing the risk of discriminatory or inconsistent practices across the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What kinds of situations should an employment contract be requested for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An employment contract should be provided whenever a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/new-employees-up-to-speed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new employee<\/a>&nbsp;joins&nbsp;a business, whenever employment terms change, and whenever temporary or consulting arrangements are put in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If employment terms change, whether through a promotion, salary adjustment, or&nbsp;shift in responsibilities, a new contract or formal amendment should be issued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For temporary or consulting arrangements, a written contract should set out the duration, compensation, and any terms specific to the nature of the engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"are\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the legal implications of a contract&nbsp;of&nbsp;employment in the UK?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the UK, a contract of employment is legally binding and must&nbsp;comply with&nbsp;employment law, including statutory rights around minimum wage, paid holidays, notice periods, and protection against unfair dismissal. These rights apply&nbsp;whether or not&nbsp;they are explicitly&nbsp;stated&nbsp;in the contract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While a contract&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t&nbsp;need to be written down, employers must provide a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/employment-contracts-and-conditions\/written-statement-of-employment-particulars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">written statement of employment particulars<\/a>&nbsp;within two months of the&nbsp;employee\u2019s&nbsp;start date.&nbsp;Failing to do&nbsp;so can result in legal consequences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the key legal implications every employer and employee should be aware of:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-statutory-rights-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statutory rights&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/hmrc-internal-manuals\/national-minimum-wage-manual\/nmwm01030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum wage<\/a>, paid holidays, and protection against unlawful discrimination must be upheld regardless of what the contract says. Employers must&nbsp;comply with&nbsp;the National Minimum Wage Act and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/1998\/1833\/contents\/made\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Working Time Regulations<\/a>&nbsp;as a baseline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-notice-periods-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notice periods&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contracts should specify notice periods, but even where they&nbsp;don&#8217;t, employees are entitled to statutory notice based on their length of service. The only exception is&nbsp;in cases of&nbsp;gross misconduct.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-unfair-dismissal-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unfair dismissal&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract should set out the grounds and procedures for termination.&nbsp;Dismissing an employee without valid grounds or proper process can lead to claims of unfair dismissal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-constructive-dismissal-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Constructive dismissal&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This occurs when an employee resigns because the employer has seriously breached the implied terms of trust and confidence,&nbsp;even without a formal dismissal taking place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-redundancy-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Redundancy&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers must follow fair and transparent procedures&nbsp;in cases of redundancy, including proper consultation with affected employees, as set out in both the contract and statutory requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-health-and-safety-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health and safety&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contracts should confirm the employer&#8217;s obligation to provide a safe working environment and the employee&#8217;s corresponding duty to&nbsp;comply with&nbsp;safety rules.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-a077ab0f-5499-4fb7-adac-a1037bb604b3\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-a077ab0f-5499-4fb7-adac-a1037bb604b3\"\n\t>Download your free copy of How to set up an HR function and give your people the support they need to thrive at your business<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"of\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What kind of information should be specified in a contract of employment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A contract of employment should include the job title and description, working hours and location, salary and benefits, probationary period, leave entitlements, notice period, confidentiality clauses, and dispute resolution procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-basics-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The basics<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every contract should start with the foundational details that&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the parties involved and define the nature of the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parties to the contract<\/strong>: the full names and addresses of both employer and employee.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Job title and description<\/strong>: the employee&#8217;s role and a clear outline of their duties and responsibilities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type of employment<\/strong>: whether the role is permanent, part-time, fixed-term, and so on.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start date<\/strong>:&nbsp;when employment began, along with&nbsp;an end date if applicable, plus any opportunities for extension.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pay-hours-and-leave-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pay, hours, and leave<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the terms employees are most likely to&nbsp;scrutinise&nbsp;and the ones most likely to cause disputes if left ambiguous.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Salary and benefits<\/strong>: the agreed salary or hourly wage, payment frequency, and any&nbsp;additional&nbsp;benefits,&nbsp;such as bonuses or health insurance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work hours and location<\/strong>: standard working hours, any variations, and the regular place of work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Probationary period<\/strong>: the duration and terms of any probationary period. Three months is typical for entry-level roles; six months is common for senior positions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leave and time off<\/strong>: holiday entitlement, sick leave, and maternity\/paternity leave. UK employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks&#8217; paid holiday per year, including bank holidays.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-termination-and-conduct-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Termination and conduct<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good contract sets clear expectations for&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;and makes the process for ending employment transparent for both sides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Termination terms<\/strong>: the notice period required by both parties, grounds for termination, and any severance provisions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Code of conduct<\/strong>: expectations around workplace behaviour, ethics, and adherence to company policies.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Restrictive covenants<\/strong>: any post-termination restrictions,&nbsp;such as non-compete or non-solicitation clauses, if applicable.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-legal-and-compliance-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal and compliance<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These clauses protect the business and&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;both parties understand their legal obligations throughout and beyond the employment relationship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Confidentiality and non-disclosure<\/strong>: clauses requiring the employee to protect sensitive company information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intellectual property<\/strong>: confirmation that work created during employment is owned by the employer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dispute resolution<\/strong>: the agreed mechanism for resolving conflicts, such as arbitration or mediation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health and safety<\/strong>: the employer&#8217;s commitment to a safe working environment and the employee&#8217;s duty to comply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training and development<\/strong>: any provisions for professional development, including who covers associated costs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Policies and procedures<\/strong>: reference to company policies, either within the contract or as an attachment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If in doubt about any of these clauses,&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;worth seeking legal advice before the contract is signed, because getting them right from the outset is far easier than amending them later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"some\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some different types of employment contracts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common&nbsp;types of&nbsp;employment&nbsp;contracts&nbsp;in the UK are permanent, fixed-term, temporary, zero-hours, freelance, agency, casual, and apprenticeship contracts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right type&nbsp;for a particular situation&nbsp;depends on the nature of the work and the terms both parties wish to&nbsp;establish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-permanent-or-open-ended-contracts-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Permanent or open-ended contracts&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most common type of employment contract. It has no fixed end date, and the employment relationship continues until either the employer or the employee gives notice to&nbsp;terminate. These contracts can cover full-&nbsp;or part-time hours, with part-time employees being entitled to the same employment rights and benefits on a pro rata basis as their full-time counterparts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fixed-term-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fixed-term contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fixed-term contract specifies a predetermined end date for the employment relationship. These contracts are often used for temporary or project-based work. Employees on fixed-term contracts have the same rights as permanent employees for the duration of their contract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-temporary-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temporary contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar to&nbsp;fixed-term contracts, temporary contracts are designed for short-term employment. They are commonly used for seasonal work or to cover a specific period of increased workload.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-zero-hours-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zero-hours contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These contracts do not guarantee a minimum number of working hours. Instead, the employer offers work as and when needed, and the employee can choose whether to accept the offered hours. These contracts provide flexibility for both parties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-freelance-or-self-employed-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freelance or self-employed contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelancers or self-employed individuals work on a contract-for-service basis. They are not considered employees and are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-sole-traders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">responsible for their taxes<\/a>&nbsp;and National Insurance contributions. Freelancers often work for multiple clients and must&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-employed-manage-finances\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage their own accounts and finances<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-agency-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agency contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals working through employment agencies may have agency contracts. In this arrangement, the agency acts as the employer, and the worker is engaged to provide services to a client. Agency workers have specific rights, including access to the same basic employment conditions as permanent employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-casual-contracts-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Casual contracts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Casual contracts are often used for irregular or sporadic work. Employees on casual contracts are not&nbsp;guaranteed&nbsp;regular work and are typically employed as needed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-apprenticeship-contracts-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apprenticeship contracts&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These contracts are designed for individuals undergoing a structured training&nbsp;programme&nbsp;to develop specific skills, e.g., electricians, chefs, mechanics, and IT technicians. These contracts combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and follow a specific framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">How to set up an HR function<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Get your free step-by-step essential guide with everything you need to know to set up an HR team, including tips, tricks, and potential pitfalls.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-a077ab0f-5499-4fb7-adac-a1037bb604b3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"final\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get employment contracts right from the start&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employment contracts are critical for&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a healthy and transparent professional relationship. They provide the rules, expectations, and protection necessary for both employers and employees to navigate the workplace. A well-crafted contract ensures fairness, legal compliance, and a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether starting a new job or undergoing changes in employment terms, a reliable employment contract serves as a crucial guide, fostering a positive and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/11-steps-flexible-working-culture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flexible working culture<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925473492\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can a contract of employment be verbal?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes:\u00a0a contract of employment\u00a0doesn&#8217;t\u00a0have to be written to be legally binding.\u00a0\u00a0<br>However, employers are still legally required to provide a written statement of employment particulars within two months of the start date. A verbal contract is difficult to enforce in a dispute, so a written contract is always recommended.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925487998\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can an employer change a contract of employment without agreement?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, an employer cannot unilaterally change the terms of a contract of employment without the employee&#8217;s consent.\u00a0\u00a0<br>Any\u00a0changes must be agreed upon by both parties. If an employer makes significant changes without agreement, the employee may have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925505694\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens if there is no contract of employment?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If no written contract exists, the employee&#8217;s rights are still protected by statute, including minimum wage, holiday entitlement, and protection against unfair dismissal.\u00a0\u00a0<br>However, the absence of a written contract makes it significantly harder to resolve disputes over terms and conditions, which is why having one in place is strongly advisable.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-process\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR processes for small businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-payroll-benefits\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR, payroll and benefits\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-32094 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-efl tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business industry-professional-services card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/funeral-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/funeral-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/funeral-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/08\/funeral-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__play-video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"card-post__play-icon svg-icon\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 33 36\"><path d=\"M3.947.936C1.889 1.016 0 2.661 0 4.878v27.11c0 2.956 3.36 4.896 5.999 3.463l24.965-13.555c2.715-1.474 2.715-5.451 0-6.925L6 1.416a3.96 3.96 0 0 0-2.052-.48Zm.032 2.6c.232-.001.475.058.713.187L29.66 17.28c.986.535.986 1.774 0 2.309L4.692 33.144c-.952.517-1.999-.088-1.999-1.155V4.878c0-.533.261-.95.642-1.17.19-.11.411-.171.644-.172\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M5.25 3C3.74 3 2.5 4.24 2.5 5.75v12.5C2.5 19.76 3.74 21 5.25 21h14c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75V5.75C22 4.24 20.76 3 19.25 3zm0 1.5h14c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v12.5a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25h-14A1.24 1.24 0 0 1 4 18.25V5.75c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25m.25.75a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8.25 2.751A1.248 1.248 0 0 0 9 9.251v5.5c0 .442.231.849.613 1.074.389.231.846.237 1.239.021l5.001-2.751c.396-.219.646-.639.646-1.094s-.25-.876-.646-1.095l-.001-.001-5.002-2.751a1.25 1.25 0 0 0-.601-.153zM5.5 8.25a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8 1.423L14.731 12 10.5 14.328zm-5 1.577a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-19T09:00:00+01:00\">19 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">4 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-r-banks-and-son-funerals-ltd-supports-its-community\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow R Banks and Son Funerals Ltd supports its community\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tR Banks and Son Funerals Ltd runs 13 branches and 49 staff across Wigan. Carina Halliwell explains how Sage frees up the time that keeps every funeral personal.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-30438 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-accountant-payroll tag-ai tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants industry-hr-and-people-management\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-and-payroll-getting-started\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman at a desk calculating payroll on a screen using AI\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1843607799-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__play-video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"card-post__play-icon svg-icon\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 33 36\"><path d=\"M3.947.936C1.889 1.016 0 2.661 0 4.878v27.11c0 2.956 3.36 4.896 5.999 3.463l24.965-13.555c2.715-1.474 2.715-5.451 0-6.925L6 1.416a3.96 3.96 0 0 0-2.052-.48Zm.032 2.6c.232-.001.475.058.713.187L29.66 17.28c.986.535.986 1.774 0 2.309L4.692 33.144c-.952.517-1.999-.088-1.999-1.155V4.878c0-.533.261-.95.642-1.17.19-.11.411-.171.644-.172\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M5.25 3C3.74 3 2.5 4.24 2.5 5.75v12.5C2.5 19.76 3.74 21 5.25 21h14c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75V5.75C22 4.24 20.76 3 19.25 3zm0 1.5h14c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v12.5a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25h-14A1.24 1.24 0 0 1 4 18.25V5.75c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25m.25.75a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8.25 2.751A1.248 1.248 0 0 0 9 9.251v5.5c0 .442.231.849.613 1.074.389.231.846.237 1.239.021l5.001-2.751c.396-.219.646-.639.646-1.094s-.25-.876-.646-1.095l-.001-.001-5.002-2.751a1.25 1.25 0 0 0-.601-.153zM5.5 8.25a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8 1.423L14.731 12 10.5 14.328zm-5 1.577a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-11T09:24:08+01:00\">11 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tCurious about AI revolutionising payroll? Here\u2019s what you can do today\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-9999 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-grow-business tag-recruit tag-hr-process business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/find-hire-right-employee-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/08\/MicrosoftTeams-image-4-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/08\/MicrosoftTeams-image-4-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/08\/MicrosoftTeams-image-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/08\/MicrosoftTeams-image-4-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T16:05:53+01:00\">5 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">14 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to find employees\u00a0for your business\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-9539 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-employee-engagement tag-grow-business tag-hr-process business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hiring-managing-employees-small-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/PMARCHITECTS_BB_03_078_2018_32240-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/PMARCHITECTS_BB_03_078_2018_32240-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/PMARCHITECTS_BB_03_078_2018_32240-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/PMARCHITECTS_BB_03_078_2018_32240-1213x810.jpg 1213w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T15:35:26+01:00\">5 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to manage employees\u00a0in a small business\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-20920 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-grow-business tag-recruit tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hiring-freelancers-contractors-employees-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1421562922-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Thinking about hiring staff as the business grows\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1421562922-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1421562922-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1421562922-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T10:21:14+01:00\">5 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tContractor versus employee or freelancer: What\u2019s best for your business?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering what a contract of employment should cover? This guide explains the legal implications, what to include, and the different types of contracts used in the UK. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1233,"featured_media":11530,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"10","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[41,234],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[69,73,75],"imagine_tag":[92,217,109,218],"coauthors":[372],"class_list":["post-17260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-hr-process","tag-hr-payroll-benefits","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Esther Cooke","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235.jpg","imagine_tags":{"92":"HR and Payroll","217":"HR processes","109":"Small business","218":"Top HR resources"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17260"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31715,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17260\/revisions\/31715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=17260"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=17260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}