Full-Time Permanent Employment - Offer Letter template

Free Docusign Employment Contract Template

Use this offer letter and employment contract template to present a professional, structured job offer to a successful candidate for a full-time, ongoing role in Australia. This package includes both the formal offer letter and the detailed Terms and Conditions of Employment, which together form a legally binding employment contract when accepted and signed.

Docusign's free offer letter and employment contract template is easily customisable to incorporate your company details and the specific terms of the role. Once the offer letter and attached terms are complete, you can securely share the document via a Docusign envelope to the recipient for review and electronic signature. After the candidate signs, the completed agreement is securely stored in your Docusign account for record-keeping, and you can still download and print out a hard copy if needed.

Overview

This template is structured to ensure that the core elements of the job offer are clearly communicated in the letter, while the detailed rights and obligations are formally laid out in the attached Terms and Conditions of Employment.

This document formalises the employment relationship for a permanent, full-time position, which typically involves the employee working an average of 38 hours per week on an ongoing basis and entitles them to full benefits, such as paid annual and personal leave. The contract should align with the applicable Modern Award (if one applies) and explicitly confirm entitlements like remuneration, leave, and termination notice periods.

Who It's For

This employment contract template is essential for:

• Australian Employers: Businesses or organisations hiring a new staff member into a full-time, permanent role.

• Human Resources (HR) and Payroll Administrators: To ensure a consistent, compliant, and detailed process for formally offering employment.

• Job Candidates: To provide a transparent breakdown of the terms of the work contract template they are accepting, including their duties, pay, and rights.

It is important to note that a separate contract is required for part-time, casual, or fixed-term employees, as their entitlements and conditions differ.

Purpose of the Agreement

The primary purpose of the offer letter and employment contract template is to create a legally binding agreement that sets out the rights, duties, and obligations of both the employer and the employee for a full-time, permanent position. Specifically, it aims to:

• Define Key Employment Terms: Clearly state the position, pay, start date, manager, and primary location of work to set mutual expectations.

• Establish Compliance: Confirm that the terms of the agreement, particularly regarding leave and minimum wages, meet or exceed the minimum entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES) and any relevant Award.

• Protect Confidentiality and Intellectual Property (IP): Include specific clauses that safeguard the company’s sensitive information and ensure that all IP created by the employee during their employment belongs to the Company.

• Outline Termination Procedures: Clearly define the conditions for termination, including notice periods, the probationary period, and grounds for immediate dismissal due to serious misconduct.

Key Clauses and Information

The document is composed of the Offer Letter and the attached Terms and Conditions of Employment, covering these essential Australian employment elements:

• Position and Commencement: Clearly specifies the Position Title and Description, the Employment Type (Full Time Permanent), the Manager, the Start Date, and the primary work Premises.

• Probationary Period: Sets an initial period (e.g., Three Months or Six Months) where suitability and performance are assessed, with a reduced one-week notice period for termination by either party during this time.

• Remuneration and Superannuation: Details the annual salary, clarifies if it is plus or including superannuation, and specifies the Pay Frequency. It includes the obligation for the Company to make superannuation contributions as per the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.

• Hours of Work: States the ordinary Hours of Work (e.g., 38 hours per week) and notes that the Remuneration compensates for reasonable additional hours as required.

• Leave Entitlements: Confirms entitlements under the NES, including four weeks of paid Annual Leave, ten days of paid Personal/Carer's Leave, Long Service Leave, and other leave such as parental and compassionate leave.

• Confidentiality and IP: Requires the employee not to disclose Confidential Information during and after employment, and confirms that all Intellectual Property created during employment is the sole property of the Company.

• Termination: Defines the notice periods for termination after the probationary period, which must align with the Fair Work Act 2009, and lists examples of conduct constituting serious misconduct for which employment can be terminated without notice.

• Governing Law: Specifies that the agreement is governed by the laws of the relevant State or Territory.