Questionnaire: How Well Do You Know Your Employment Contract?

It cannot be underestimated how important it is to know your employment contract inside out. It’s rather like divorce lawyers say – ‘before you start fighting, get it in writing!’

Although you’re not going to be looking at it every day, you need to make sure that you know the details of your employment contract well in advance of actually needing it. This will prepare you for any potential issues with your employer, whether it’s about working rights for pregnant women, your notice period or what to do if you get offered a fabulous job from a competitor!

Read the following questions and answer honestly – then look at what your answers reveal about how well you know your employment contract and what you can do to improve.

How Well Do You Know Your…Job Description?

1. I remember signing something when I started, so that’s probably my employment contract. As for my job description, I just do what I did yesterday.
2. When I got the job I was told that I was here to make the company money, so as long as I’m doing that, I’m happy.
3. I am aware that I am required to win a minimum of three contracts per month, with no required to go into small spaces or up ladders, because that it what I requested in my job description, third amendment, when I was offered the job.

How Well Do You Know Your…Holiday Entitlement?

1. I just keep taking holiday and will stop when I get my next request refused. Well, maybe then I’ll throw a few sickies as it’s along time till Christmas.
2. I’m sure I’ve got a week or so left because I’ve already had a summer holiday.
3. I have twelve days left which, when applied judiciously with bank holidays and weekends, will entitle me to enough for three separate weeks of high-gradient hill walking.

How Well Do You Know Your…Notice Period?

1. If I find another job that’s better paid I’ll just leave and see what happens.
2. I probably have to give a month’s notice – isn’t that the normal notice period?
3. I made sure I had a three month notice period so that I would not be left high and dry, although I had the ‘working for a competitor’ clause taken out before I would sign it.

If you answered mainly 1, you are probably in for a bit of a shock. Although nothing bad may have happened to you so far in the world of work, you’ll soon wish that you checked what you were signing if there are any problems. Find that contract and go through it with a fine tooth comb!

If you answered mainly 2, you fall into the ‘could try harder’ category. It’s worth you taking the time to read your contract and iron out any issues with your HR department before you make any major changes.

If you answered mainly 3, you are super-organised and highly efficient. As long as you don’t push too hard just for the sake of it, you are well prepared for any issues in the workplace. Well done!

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