Duty of service - Contract of Employment

Most employers want a flexible workforce and are reluctant to commit themselves to a specific list of duties as in the past was set down in a formal job description. At best it may be worth preparing a short description for the purposes of recruitment. But make it clear that such a description is for illustrative purposes only and does not form part of the contract of employment.

The general duties are as follows:

Employers duties:

To provide work - only applies in specific circumstances e.g. where pay is dependent on work being provided as in "piece work".
To reimburse the employee for reasonable expenses and costs necessarily incurred in carrying out their duties. For the Group this is subject to the terms set out in the information on personal expenses.
To ensure safety.

Employee's duties:

To be ready and willing to work.
To obey lawful and reasonable instructions falling within the scope of the contract.
To exercise due competence and skill.
To exercise care in the performance of duties.
Good faith and loyalty i.e. be honest, keep information confidential and not make a secret profit from the employer.

Mutual duties:

Trust and confidence . Co-operation
To act reasonably.

Contractual Clause Examples:

Example 1 Your Work

The nature of the company's business requires you to be flexible in your approach to work in order to serve clients. You may therefore be required, from time to time, to carry out reasonable different and/or additional duties.

Example 2. Duty of Service

During the continuance of his employment the Manager shall:

1. Serve the Company to the best of his ability and apply his knowledge and skill to promote the interests of the Company.

2. Carry out such duties as are assigned to him and comply with instructions given by the Company.

3. Give to the Company on request, and in writing if so required, all information within his knowledge or control concerning the affairs of the Company as the Company may require.

4. Conform to all statutory obligations, non-statutory external obligations binding upon the Company and general rules made by the Company which apply to the Manager and Codes of Conduct and Business Practice, Training and Competence Standards laid down by Regulatory Bodies, Trade Associations and Ombudsman Bureaux to which the Company or individual subsidiaries subscribe and which are relevant to the Manager’s employment hereunder.