Contract of Service

Although an employment contract does not have to be in writing, if the period of employment exceeds one month and exceeds eight hours of work a week, the employer is bound to give a written statement to the employee showing his/her conditions of work, within 8 working days from the commencement of employment. A written employment contract as well as a job description are considered good practice.

Employment contracts can be definite or indefinite. The former means a fixed term contract wherein both parties usually agree on its duration, and thus incorporates an expiry date, and the latter is one wherein the employee is engaged in an employment for an indefinite period (without a limit). Excluding exceptional reasons, a fixed-term contract can be successively renewed up to a maximum period of four years after which the employee shall be considered to be under a contract of indefinite duration.

Although an employment contract does not have to be in writing, if the period of employment exceeds one month and exceeds eight hours of work a week, the employer is bound to give a written statement to the employee showing his/her conditions of work, within 8 working days from the commencement of employment. A written employment contract as well as a job description are considered good practice.

Employment contracts can be definite or indefinite. The former means a fixed term contract wherein both parties usually agree on its duration, and thus incorporates an expiry date, and the latter is one wherein the employee is engaged in an employment for an indefinite period (without a limit). Excluding exceptional reasons, a fixed-term contract can be successively renewed up to a maximum period of four years after which the employee shall be considered to be under a contract of indefinite duration.

LAWYERS SPECIALISING IN THIS FIELD

Cedric Mifsud

Cedric Mifsud graduated as lawyer from the University of Malta in 2003 and was subsequently admitted to the bar in Malta. He later specialised in European Law particularly focus on Competition law. Upon qualifying he joined a leading firm in Malta as a litigation lawyer. In 2007 together with his brother, Malcolm, he co-founded Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates. Cedric set up the Corporate and Commercial Department of the firm making the firm one of the leading business law firms in Malta. Part of the Corporate and Commercial Department includes the Maritime Practice which has a considerable portfolio of Superyachts and Commercial Vessels.