A contract of employment sets out the terms on which an employee works for an employer, including pay, hours, duties and notice. Use it when engaging an employee in Ireland. The employer must give the employee a written statement of core terms and of the main terms of employment under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 (as amended); minimum notice, working time and minimum wage rules also apply.
📄 Contract of Employment
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [date]
BETWEEN
Employer: [company name and registered number], of [address] ("the Employer")
AND
Employee: [full name], of [address] ("the Employee")
1. JOB TITLE AND DUTIES
The Employee is employed as [job title]. The Employee's main duties are [description]. The Employee shall carry out such other reasonable duties as the Employer may require.
2. COMMENCEMENT
Employment begins on [start date]. [Continuous previous service does / does not count.] The first [X] months are a probationary period.
3. PLACE OF WORK
The normal place of work is [address]. [The role may involve travel / remote work as agreed.]
4. HOURS OF WORK
Normal working hours are [X] hours per week, worked [pattern]. Working time is subject to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, including rest breaks and annual leave.
5. REMUNERATION
The salary is EUR [amount] per [year/hour], paid [monthly] in arrears by bank transfer, subject to lawful deductions. Pay shall not be less than the applicable rate under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. Payment of wages is governed by the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
6. ANNUAL LEAVE AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The Employee is entitled to [X] days of paid annual leave per year and to public holidays in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
7. SICK LEAVE
Sick leave and any sick pay are dealt with as follows: [policy], subject to the Employee's statutory entitlements.
8. NOTICE
After the probationary period, either party may end the employment by giving written notice. The minimum notice the Employer must give is that set out in the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, which increases with length of service. The Employee shall give at least [X] weeks' notice.
9. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Employee shall keep the Employer's confidential information private during and after employment.
10. GENERAL
This contract is governed by the law of Ireland. A separate written statement of core terms will be provided as required by law.
Signed by the Employer: ______________________ Date: __________
Signed by the Employee: ______________________ Date: __________
Frequently asked questions
Must the employer give written terms of employment?
Yes. Under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 (as amended) an employer must give the employee a written statement of certain core terms within the first days of employment and a fuller statement of the main terms within two months. This contract can serve that purpose.
How much notice is required to end employment?
The minimum notice the employer must give is set by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 and increases with the employee's length of continuous service. The contract can provide for longer notice, but not less than the statutory minimum.
What is the minimum pay an employee must receive?
Pay cannot be less than the rate set under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (subject to limited exceptions). Working time, rest breaks and paid annual leave are governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.