IrelandMy employer won't give me a written contract. Is this required?
Yes, your employer must give you a written statement of employment terms within 5 days of starting work for core terms, and full written terms within 2 months.
What the Law Says
Under Irish law, employers are legally required to provide employees with a written statement of their employment terms — not just a formal contract, but key information about the job and working conditions.
The Workplace Relations Act 2015 places a clear legal duty on employers to give new employees a written statement of certain core terms of employment. This is not optional — it’s a statutory requirement.
The law splits the obligation into two parts: first, a short list of essential details must be given within 5 days of starting work; second, a more complete written statement of all main terms must be provided within 2 months.
These requirements apply to all employees in Ireland, including part-time, fixed-term, and casual workers — regardless of how long they’ve been employed or whether they’re on probation.
Statutory TextEvery employer shall, not later than the date of commencement of employment, give to each employee a written statement of certain particulars of the employee’s terms of employment.
— Workplace Relations Act 2015, s. 7 — Statement of terms of employment
What to Do
Ask your employer in writing for your written statement of terms — quote Section 7 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015.
If you don’t receive the core terms within 5 days or full terms within 2 months, contact the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) online or by phone.
You can make a complaint to the WRC — there’s no fee, and time limits for complaints are generally 6 months from the breach.
Keep records of your start date, any communication with your employer about the contract, and any pay slips or rosters as evidence.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.