The Contract of Employment (SQA National 5 Business Management): Revision Note

Exam code: X810 75

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

The role of employment contracts

  • An employment contract is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee

    • It sets out the terms and conditions of employment, explaining what the employee will do, what they will be paid and what both sides can expect

  • Contracts can be written, verbal, or implied, but written contracts help avoid confusion and disputes

What does a contract of employment include?

A contract outlining employment terms for a kitchen assistant starting 1 March 2025, with pay, hours, holiday, notice period, and duties detailed.
  • Job title and duties

    • What the employee is expected to do at work

  • Hours of work

    • Full-time, part-time, shift patterns or flexible hours

  • Pay and benefits

    • Wages, bonuses and overtime rates the employee will receive

  • Holiday entitlement

    • How many days of paid leave the employee is allowed each year.

  • Notice period

    • How much warning is needed if either side ends the contract

  • Start date

    • When employment begins (and ends, if temporary)

  • Disciplinary and grievance procedures may also be included in the contract of employment

Why are employment contracts important?

For employees

For employers

  • Gives job security and proof of employment

  • Explains rights such as pay, holidays and working hours

  • Clarifies what is expected in terms of duties and conduct

  • Helps employees feel valued and protected

  • Protects the business by setting clear expectations and responsibilities

  • Helps avoid misunderstandings or legal disputes

  • Makes it easier to discipline or dismiss staff fairly if rules are broken

Examiner Tips and Tricks

A common mistake is thinking a contract only benefits the employer. It actually safeguards both sides. It gives employees security and outlines what’s expected from each party

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Reviewer: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.