Starting a job without contract - issue?

[Ray Singh]

I started a job on Monday with a large defence organisation.
I was employed as part of a bulk recrutment program under a generic job description. The interviewers were volunteers, not even from the same team as where the vacancy was.
I started at the company on Monday and my manager was surprised to see me. I showed him my cv, which was the first time he had seen it and told me that the job was very different to what I was used to doing.

I have no contract and hence dont know pay dates, hours of work, flexitime etc - nothing at all. To make matters worse, i am remortgaging after a period of fixed rates to a new lender, who want to see a contract, signed by both parties.

I have chased the contract, but the response i get, is that it will be a couple of weeks.

I even had to book a meeting with my manager today to ask about fire evacuation procedures and where the toilets were.....

There is no HR on site, so no one to ask about this other than the line manager, he is a long term (30+) years, so well versed with non functioning computors and having to wait six weeks for a desk phone.

Groan.

[Steffan]

Not an auspicious start is it. I doubt if the employer will intend to be as disorganised as they are but such circumstances give rise to great opportunity for improvements. I would sit tight learn as much as possible and bide you time. Make this an opportunity! Power of positive thinking rules. Good Luck.

[Vaud]

[quote=Ray Singh
I have no contract and hence dont know pay dates, hours of work, flexitime etc - nothing at all. To make matters worse, i am remortgaging after a period of fixed rates to a new lender, who want to see a contract, signed by both parties.

I have chased the contract, but the response i get, is that it will be a couple of weeks.

I even had to book a meeting with my manager today to ask about fire evacuation procedures and where the toilets were.....

[/quote]

From the key points above, why on earth did you start? And why was your priority fire safety rather than, say, where is my contract?

Sorry but didn't you used to work in recruitment industry???

[Ray Singh]

No sorry, i didnt work in recruitment. You may have confused me with someone else.

I did ask where my contract was, but HR is not on site and controlled by DBS. I was trying to make a point that I had to ask where things were rahter than be told.

Thanks

[Vaud]

Ray Singh said:

No sorry, i didnt work in recruitment. You may have confused me with someone else.

I did ask where my contract was, but HR is not on site and controlled by DBS. I was trying to make a point that I had to ask where things were rahter than be told.

Thanks

Sorry, mixing you up with another poster, my apologies.

I'd start with a strong chat with your manager expressing your concern that neither he nor you have legal protection for the work you are doing, and that you are worried for both of you. Need him chasing HR, not just you.

[Siscar]

An employer does have two months to provide a statement of employment particulars, contrary to popular belief they don't have to provide a contract.

The statement does have a list of things it needs to include click here. Quite often offer letters cover this.

So whilst it's poor practice what is happening, it isn't necessarily legally wrong.

[Ray Singh]

Thanks for the replies.

I have an extra reason for chasing as I am about to sign up to a fixed rate mortgage and the lender needs to see a signed contract of employment prior to releasing the funds....

[amusingduck]

Are you the chap that used to work for Nokia?

Hope this job goes better for you than the last one!

[RB5Bird]

Not DBSchenker by any chance is it?

[Ray Singh]

amusingduck said:

Are you the chap that used to work for Nokia?

Hope this job goes better for you than the last one!

Yes! Thats me.

I still have not got over Nokia.
Even this job is not what I want to do, really.....

Its DBS - your right....