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Employment Agreement in Kentucky: What You Should Know!
An employment agreement in Kentucky is a legal contract between an employer and an employee. The contract is created during hiring and can be written or verbal.
An employment contract provides certainty and stability for both parties and helps prevent possible disputes. In addition, it ensures employers are protected from theft and other malpractices.
The agreement also outlines job roles, salary, and expected behaviors of employees, ensuring employees perform better to earn compensation and keep their jobs.
The Legal Requirements
In Kentucky, there are three main types of employment agreements: oral/verbal, implied, and written. All these agreements are recognized by law.
A verbal or oral agreement is agreed upon orally by the employer and employee. However, it is hard to prove as it can be your word against the employee's or vice versa.
A written agreement is the most preferred and is usually put into writing and signed by both parties. The contract should have the employer and employee details, job title, salary, working hours, terms of contract termination, and other job-related information. Creating this agreement is simple and easy. All you need is a ready-to-use employment contract template to draft one.
Kentucky also recognizes implied employment agreements. These contracts are created based on employer and employee actions and behavior. For example, during hiring, if an employer tells an employee that they will always keep their job if they perform well and remain disciplined, that can be legally binding in the implied employment contract.
Critical Components of the Contract
You need to know its key components to create a good and enforceable Kentucky employment contract. Here are key elements that should be included in the contract:
- Employer and employee details
- Job information
- Compensation and benefits
- Time off, sick days, and vacation policy
- Employee classification
- The schedule and employment period
- Confidentiality, privacy, and responsibility
- Termination clause
Types of Kentucky Employment Contracts
There are different types of employment agreements in Kentucky. The type of agreement depends on the job and the employee to be hired. Here are common types;
- A permanent contract is used to hire a permanent employee.
- A fixed-term contract is when hiring employees to work for a specific time or handle a particular job. The agreement can be short- or long-term but not permanent.
- A contractor agreement is used when a company or employer hires a freelancer or contractor to complete a specific job or project.
Regardless of the type, an employment agreement in Kentucky is essential for businesses and employees. It protects trade secrets, business relationships, and crucial information that employees can misuse while working or after leaving the company.
The contract outlines employees' duties, salaries, and other job details. Their interests are protected, and they can use the agreement to get justice once their rights are violated at work or dismissed unfairly.
Enforceability of Employment Agreements in Kentucky
Employment contracts are enforceable in Kentucky. But, the contracts must adhere to employment contracts and public policy laws. For example, if a contract forces an employee to use sick or vacation time for jury duty, it will not be enforced as it violates public policy.
Note that Kentucky is an at-will employment state, meaning employers and employees can terminate their relationships at will. It also allows employees to quit anytime for justifiable reasons like poor working conditions. But there will be an exception with a valid employment contract in place.
Do you want to create an employment contract in Kentucky and need help figuring out where to start? If yes, you can take help from here. We offer free Kentucky employment agreement forms that you can complete online, download, and print.