It is amazing how many people in this country do not have an employment contract. However even if you do have a contract, certain terms are implied whether they are written into the contract or not. Here are just a few:
1. You have a right to notice whether it is in writing or not.
2. You have a right to annual leave and holidays whether it is in writing or not.
3. If your contract says one thing but the practice of the business or the practice of your employer is different, then practice may overturn what is in writing.
4. Many terms are covered by law whether or not they are in your written contract of employment.
The final point I would make is that if an employer approaches you and says I have to reduce your wages because the company isn’t doing well – this is only legally enforceable provided you agree. Similarly if your contract of employment says that your hours of work are between 9 and 5:30, that is it, your employer cannot insist that you work beyond those hours without your agreement.
The fundamental rule is that changes to an employment contract cannot be imposed unilaterally.
Kevin Brophy