An exclusive series focusing on contractual considerations while hiring in China and the UK. Nicholas Lakeland, Employment Partner at Laytons and Donfil Huang, Legal Advisory Manager at Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA), highlight the key content that should be included in all employment contracts in China and the UK.

In China, an employment contract should include at least the following;  

• Information of both the employer and the employee 

• Term of employment contract 

• The duties and position of the employee 

• Location of where the employee will work, including if they will be required to travel  

• Work hours, rest days and leave days 

• Remuneration  

• When stipulating the salary amount, specify whether the amount is gross or net 

• Social security 

• Labor protection  

In the UK, an employment contract should include at least the following; 

• The identity of the employer; 

• Details of the company  

• Registered number at Companies House 

• Employee’s full name and address 

• Start date of employment 

• Continued employment, contracts are frequently changed, updated and revised taking into account new laws, regulations and policies meaning a new contract might be issued but the continuative of employment reflects the first day on which the employee has actually started employment.  

Drafting a contract of employment in China and the UK (minimum requirements) Episode two: What content should be included in all employment contracts?

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