I never signed anything when I started my job...?

Question

I left my job at a shop a few months ago after a new manager took over. My old manager recommended me to a different branch owned by a different franchisee he knew and I am now working for him. It is therefore a separate company which would have sightly different contracts. Because of the informal way I got the job I never actually signed anything (I am assuming because it was forgotten - the manager thought I had signed when I met the franchisee when I had my informal interview, and the franchisee assumed I would sign with the manager when I had my first day as he was on holiday at the time). They checked my P45 and ID but I didn't sign a contract or anything. I don't expect it will be an issue ever but would it be in my interests to remind them? If something happened to me at work would I have no rights because I didn't sign a contract? Or should I shut up - is their a scenario where I could benefit because I didn't sign anything?

Answer 1

Not sure where you are writing from. In the US, in some states, there is a presumption that if there is no contract you are an "at-will" employee, meaning that you can leave any time you want and they can fire you any time they want. With a contract, if the contract has a "reasonable cause" provision, they may only be able to fire you for a reasonable cause, such as wrongdoing by you. It gives you more protection.

Bottom line, without signing anything, you can be fired on the spot and you have no guarantees. On the flip side, you would still have the protections of law, such as the wage and hour laws, overtime laws, anti-discrimination laws, etc.  So while you are protected by law, you are not protected by contract.  That may not be a problem as long as you have considered it and are okay with it.

Answer 2

its upto you

Answer 3

If there is a union which represents your sort of employee you could phone them and ask their advice. Or you could ring your State Trades and Labour Regulatory body and ask what your rights are if you have no signed employment contract extant.

I am fearful that in the case of you being injured at work they may be able to claim you are not an employee. Thus they would be able to avoid any workers compensation payout to you.

Check it out quickly. Do not ask your employer as it is within their interests to mislead you if they are unethical. I do not know if they are and neither will you until it is too late.

Answer 4

ask u manager but be like friendly before u ask it

Answer 5

You don't have to sign a contract to be employed - it's called At Will Employment. If you're not looking for a union to help you then there's nothing wrong with staying quiet. If you're working for a unionized company you need to sign your papers and make sure you're covered.

Answer 6

remind them u didn't sign anything. it would be in ur best interest to sign  contracts because if something where to happen (to u or with the company that could effect u) u would have no legal standing.