The Validity of Unsigned Employment Contracts in Northern Ireland

Employers frequently ask whether an employment contract is legally binding if it was never signed. Whether an employer wishes to use an unsigned contract to support or quash a claim, the position is the same - an employment contract does not have to be signed by both parties for it to be legally binding. This is evidenced in a number of ways.

The Legislation

There is no specific legal requirement for employment contracts to be signed in order to be enforceable, as there is no legal requirement to have a written employment contract in the first place. Employment terms can come in the form of an express, implied, written or oral agreement, as well as any statutory entitlements.

However,