Your employment contract

Myth or fact?

An employment contract has to be in writing.
  • Myth
  • Fact

Starting a new job? Signing the paperwork can feel like something to get through quickly, so you can get on with the work. Resist that feeling. Take the time to read any employment contract put before you. Make sure you understand the terms. Negotiate on points that are important to you. We walk you through what to watch for in your employment contract, and how to protect yourself. 

What you should know 

Protect yourself

Common questions

Who can help

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in April 2020
  • Time to read: 10 minutes

Reviewed for legal accuracy by

Mary Thibodeau, Moore Edgar Lyster LLP and Leanne M. Walsh, West Coast Workplace Law

Mary Thibodeau
Leanne M. Walsh

Also on this topic

Still not sure what to do?

If you're looking for advice specific to your situation, there are options for free or low-cost help.

Options for legal help

We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.