My employer never gave me a written statement of my employment terms. Is this required?

What the Law Says

The EU Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions sets binding minimum requirements for written information about employment terms.

All workers in the European Union have the right to receive a written statement of their employment terms. This is guaranteed by Directive (EU) 2019/1152, which EU Member States were required to transpose into national law by 1 August 2022.

The Directive distinguishes between 'core information' — which must be provided no later than the first day of work — and the full written statement, which must be given no later than one month after the start of employment.

Core information includes: the identities of the parties, the place of work, job title or nature of work, the start date, duration and end date (if fixed-term), paid leave entitlements, notice periods, remuneration details, working hours, and collective agreements applicable.

Statutory Text

The employer shall provide the worker with a written statement of the essential aspects of the employment relationship no later than the first day of work.

— Directive (EU) 2019/1152, Art. 2(1) — Right to written information

Statutory Text

The written statement referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided no later than one month after the start of the employment relationship.

— Directive (EU) 2019/1152, Art. 2(2) — Time limit

Sources