Do you always get a contract when starting a new job?

[Usernameunavailableagain12]

Might be a silly question but I started a new job in February and I haven’t had a contract to sign. I thought I would have had some paperwork or email stating things like contracted hours, hourly pay, holiday entitlement and just information in general. I’m sure every job I’ve had has involved paperwork like this. Is it normal not to get anything? Obviously I do know I’m full time but that’s about it, haven’t been shown how to book annual leave or even received a payslip. Has anyone else experienced this?
other than that I am really enjoying my job

It’s not normal. You need to protect yourself and ensure you have signed employment contract. Speak to HR

You should have asked about this before starting. Just ask now. You’ll be on the minimum statutory for everything is my guess.
if they say youre not entitled to any holiday or similar they are trying to shaft you and are wrong. I hope it’s just an oversight on their part.

Thanks @Lifeisapeach I don’t know how to go about asking HR but will have another word with the manager

Tbf to me, I thought I would have received a contract on the day I started induction. I expected to be signing loads of paperwork on that day. I have asked since about a contract but they haven’t said much

The previous answers are wrong. Your employer does not have to give you a written contract, nor do you have to sign one. However, they do have to give you document setting out the main conditions of employment. They should have provided a statement including the following no later than your first day at work:

• The employer's name
• Your name, job title and start date
• How much you will be paid and when you will be paid
• Your working time
• Your holiday entitlement
• Where you will be working
• The length of any probation period
• Any other benefits
• Any obligatory training

They must also give you information about sick pay and procedures, other paid leave such as maternity leave, and notice periods. These items can be in a separate document but must also be provided no later than your first day of work.

Within two months of starting they must also provide you with information about pensions, disciplinary and grievance procedures, any collective agreements (trade unions, staff associations or similar) and any right to non-compulsory training.

They must give you pay slips on or before payday. Chase those as it’s important you have evidence of having tax and NI deducted.

I’d be more concerned around lack of payslips.

Still haven’t received payslips, I am getting stressed about this. They keep saying chase it up but nobody is getting back to me

Speak to ACAS. You must have a written statement of terms and conditions and payslips.

I get told to email the accountant but they haven’t replied

I'm a bit shocked that you are not being more proactive, TBH. I have never started a job without having the contract. Nor have I ever not had payslips.

You need to become a polite nuisance from tomorrow onwards. Don't leave it to your manager, and ask them precise questions: 'I need to get the matter of my contract and payslips resolved. Who do I talk to in HR?' Then go and see them (if you are in the same location) so you assess whether they have the authority to make things happen. Next question: 'When should I expect this to be resolved by?'

(Added since seeing post about the accountant) Have you pursued the accountant by sending reminder emails and voicemail messages?

Typo and addition

Did you get an offer of employment? Stating your job title, salary, holidays etc? If so that is enough.

regarding payslips, do they send them via email? I do at my company and I got one letter wrong and he didn’t get payslips for 3 months till he flagged it up. All sorted in 2 mins with the accountant.

Is this a small business by any chance?

I’m not really sure how much more proactive I can be?
I’ve emailed the accountant, I’ve asked the manager, I rarely see them but have sent messages and he said he will chase it up and and I’ve asked the assistant manager multiple times. In regards to the contract they said I’m on probation so will not get one

They do send them by email yes

You being on probation doesn’t matter - you are legally required to have a contract. Email HR. Bet they aren’t sorting a pension for you either.

No pay slip is also illegal

If you are getting your payslips by email and they have said you won't be given a contract until you pass probation, I don't see what the problem is.

Someone more qualified than me will be able to tell you if you should have basic terms in writing during your probation period. I suspect you should because without that, how can you put your case in the event of you not passing probation?

Check you have given them/ they have sent the correct email addy.

mistakes happen.

with the contract, I never supply one until the trial period is over but I do give them a written confirmation of the necessary

Nope.

I had a conditional offer of employment email but it had none of that info

So you don’t supply anything that says how many hours they’re contracted for, rate of pay, holiday entitlement, when probation ends? Nothing?

Is this your first job, OP?

Yes I do. I email/send an offer of employment that states all of what you have mentioned.

title
salary
hours of work
role
pension scheme
holiday entitlement
sick pay

etc etc

once the probation period has passed and they are offered full time employment then they receive the contract to peruse and sign

I haven’t received any of that