When you start your job search it is critical to know what are the employment contracts available in your industry and what it implies work for any organization in Trinidad and Tobago under the terms that the employment contract includes. You should be presented with an employment contract that you have to sign.
It is important to note that not all contracts are in written form; some companies prefer an oral or implied contract. These contract types can make it difficult to prove any case you have against the company at a later date, so it is always best to have a written contract.
What are the different types of employment contract?
It should spell out the ‘type’ of employee you are along with a list of expected duties and responsibilities. In this article, we look at the varying types of the employment contract. We also provide some common examples of jobs that are often offered with each contract.
Full Time or Permanent employment contract
This is the most common form of employment and is classified as a ‘permanent’ job. You work 35+ hours a week which is usually spread out across a minimum of five days a week. You are entitled to an array of benefits such as vacation pay, sick leave and maternity pay amongst other things.
Common Roles: Accounts Payable Assistant, Bank Clerk, HR Administrator.
Part-Time
A part-time role involves working fewer hours than a full-time employee; less than 21 hours a week in many cases. It offers more flexibility, but some companies offer scant benefits to part-time staff. In other instances, you can receive benefits on a ‘pro-rata’ basis. This means you receive a percentage of the benefits a full-time employee gets and it is based on the number of hours you work. If you work 21 hours instead of a 35 hour week, you receive 60 percent of the benefits for example.
Common Roles: Bartender, Waiter, Customer Service Operator.
Fixed Term Contract
This type of contract lasts for a specific amount of time which has been agreed upon in advance. For example, you might agree to work full time for 6 months before the contract terminates. In other cases, the contract lasts until the project is completed. You are entitled to the same rights and benefits as a full-time employee although vacation pay depends on the length of the contract.
Common Roles for this employment contract: Finance Manager jobs, Electrician, Teacher.
Temporary
This is similar to fixed-term insofar as you are given an end date for the contract, and the employer does not expect to offer a permanent role after that. Despite the short-term nature of the role, you’re entitled to the same rights as full-time workers within an organization.
Common Roles: Night Security, Helpdesk Operator, Finance Data Administrator.
Agency
If you work with an agency in Trinidad and Tobago, your contract is agreed with and managed by an employment agency or a recruitment company. You work on a temporary basis, and the length of your contract depends on your availability and your new employer’s demand. The agency is responsible for ensuring your rights are protected although the employer does pay certain contributions that go directly to the agency. In some countries, agency workers become entitled to the same rights as full-time employees after 12 continuous weeks at the company.
Common Roles: Sales Researcher, Painter, Receptionist.
Freelance/Contractor Agreement
If you work on a freelance or contracted basis, the contract you’ll receive varies depending on the position you hold. However, you are considered ‘self-employed’ if you work in this manner which means it is your responsibility to handle tax and other types of contribution. Your contract may or may not include a start, and end date and your salary could be a fixed sum for the duration of the project. While you get to manage your own schedule, you are not protected by the same rights as in-house employees.
Common Roles: Copywriter, Graphic Designer, Digital Marketer.
Zero Hours Contract
This is also known as a ‘casual contract,’ and it states that you only work the hours requested by the employer. The company in question is under no legal obligation to provide you with a minimum amount of work each week; also, you don’t have to accept any work that is offered. Companies must pay you minimum wage, and you’re entitled to annual leave.
One of the advantages of a Zero Hours contract is that you are allowed to work for another company in the meantime. On the downside, there is no security associated with this form of contract and employers offer little more than a day’s notice regarding wanting you to work. There is also a possibility that the employer will have no hours available for an extended period.
Common Roles for this employment contract: Retail Assistant, Manufacturing jobs, Cleaner.
At-Will
This is a common contract type in the United States, and it basically means you can quit at any time while the company can fire you at a moment’s notice for any legal reason. Indeed, in America, employment is assumed to be ‘At Will’ unless otherwise specified.
Common Roles for this employment contract: IT Specialist, Accountant jobs, Retail.
Before you sign
Before you sign any contract and agree to become an employee of any company, be sure to look at the fine print. If you are not happy with the type of employment or the terms of the contract, don’t sign it! Explain the situation to the hiring manager and if the company is unwilling to change things to your satisfaction, walk away.
