Even if you do not realize the sign of labour agreement, especially when it's for the first time, is an important moment in the life of every person. The employment contract is the document that defines the specific rights and obligations while working in a company. Based on the contract you will know when, how much, how and what salary you will receive. Awareness of employment rights and knowledge of the basic elements of the employment contract is a guarantee for a successful start and perspective in your professional development.

Definition. The employment contract is an agreement between the employee and the employer whereby the employee agrees to provide his/her workforce on the behalf of the employer by performing particular job and to comply with the work standards established by law, and the employer - to establish the necessary conditions for use of of the workforce and to pay the employee the agreed remuneration.

Note that the employer can not require from you submission of any kind of documents. The employment contract is concluded in written form between the employee and the employer prior entrance into the office. There is a set of documents that the young specialist must present at the conclusion of his employment contract:
  • identity document that is returned immediately;
  • document of acquired education, specialty, training, qualification, academic title or degree, where required for the job or work, the person applies for;
  • document of experience, when the position or employmen for which the person applies, requires the possession of such standing;
  • document of medical examination only on initial entry into employment or after termination of employment under an employment contract for a period exceeding 3 months;
  • conviction status certificate when a law or regulation requires the certification of criminal record.
The employee is equal to the employer. It is important to know that the conclusion of the contract is a bilateral process in which countries are equal - not only the employer but also the employee may submit proposals for inclusion of conditions in the contract. Negotiating of higher salary, larger or additional leave entitlements is not prohibited, on the contrary, these are signs of awareness and confidence, qualities that are demanded today.

Pay attention to the important elements of the contract:
  • work place – unless otherwise agreed it is accepted that this is the company's headquarters;
  • requirements of the job - the importance of this part of the contract is due to the fact that the employer can not unilaterally change it (except in cases provided by law for a specified period);
  • paid annual leave - the minimum size is 20 days. There is no obstacle to arrange more. You should know that by doing work for the first time, you can use leave only after 8-month work experience;
  • working hours - normal working day is 8 hours and the working week - up to 40 hours; work, laid out of this period shall be paid higher as overtime. If the employer failed to comply with the law, you have the right to refuse overtime;
  • same period of notice for both parties upon termination of employment contract - this is a legal requirement and the employer can not alter it in his favor;
  • salary – minimum salary for the country is currently 240 BGN net.
Do not miss the date to start work. After signing the contract the employer has an obligation to provide the employee a copy of the contract and a copy of the notification to the National Revenue Agency. Within one week of receiving the documents the employee is obliged to start work. If not received within this period, employment will be considered nevazniknalo.

Remember that the start of your work is an important moment of employment, which must be certified in writing by the employer.

Employment contract with a test clause. Very often in practice, is concluded a contract with probation period of 6 months. The purpose of such contracts is to check the employee's capability to carry out the work. Usually this time is agreed in favor of the employer and only he can terminate the contract without notice, but there is no obstacle that period to be agreed in favor of the employee, too. Unless otherwise agreed, the test period is considered to be arranged in the benefit of both countries, which means that at the time each party is not satisfied with the work, they may terminate the contract without notice. In case none of the parties terminate the contract within the stipulated period, it is considered a final arrangement.

In conclusion I would say that today information related to legal labor relations with our employers is essential. It is accessible to all. There are enough specialists, who can be consulted on this matter. Remember that laws are not towars fights between employers and employees but to prevent undesired situations so that both parties are calm and confident.

Materials are provided by "Eurolex Bulgaria", a leading law firm providing legal advice to private investors and public institutions in all areas of business. "Eurolex Bulgaria" has extremely successful practice in areas such as energy, water, real estate and construction, concessions and public procurement, corporate and commercial right, etc.