from the direct.gov website "A contract of employment is an agreement between an employer and an employee. Your rights and duties, and those of your employer, are called the ‘terms' of the contract. The contract doesn’t have to be in writing, but you’re entitled to a written statement of the main terms within two months of starting work. The contract is made as soon as you accept a job offer, and both sides are then bound by its terms until it’s properly ended (usually by giving notice) or until the terms are changed (usually by mutual agreement). If you are an employee, you must get a ‘written statement of employment particulars’ setting out some of your main terms. Your employer must give you this within two months of starting work. The statement must include: * pay * hours of work * holiday entitlement * sick pay arrangements * notice periods * information about disciplinary and grievance procedures more details here www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/employmentcontractsandconditions/dg_10027905