CONCERNED by the recent increase in employment-related enquiries, Citizens Advice Bureaux in Devon joined forces last month to carry out a survey on employment contracts.

CAB advisors noticed that a large number of clients with employment rights queries, appeared not to have employment contracts or written statements of terms and conditions.

More than 300 surveys were returned, showing that 52% had no written employment contract and 42% of respondents had requested a written contract but had not received one.

This is despite employees, regardless of the number of hours they work per week, having legal entitlement to receive a written statement from their employer within two months of starting work.

Of those without a written contract, 73% worked for smaller firms employing under 50 people and 43% had been employed for between one and two years.

Mandy Kenyon, of Devon CAB's social policy group, said: 'The result of this survey confirms what we have been seeing in our bureaux.

'With a number of redundancies being announced and situations such as the extra bank holiday for the royal wedding, employees have needed something in writing to refer to so that they know where they stand.

'An employee who wants a written statement can request one verbally or in writing. It is usually best to request the statement in writing and keep a copy of the letter, so that you can prove that you asked.'

The Devon Social Policy Group also warned that an unscrupulous employer may try to dismiss an employee just for asking for the written terms and conditions of their job even though they are entitled to this by law.

Mandy Kenyon said: 'If this happens, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible.

The details for the CAB can be found at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk">www.adviceguide.org.uk