Work under a verbal employment contract in Slovakia

According to the Slovak Labour Code, every employee must have a written employment contract signed before starting work duties. However, in practice, there are situations where an employer hires an employee without officially formalizing the employment. In such cases, the employment relationship is still considered valid, and the employee retains their rights even if no contract was signed.

If an employee starts working without a signed agreement, it constitutes a violation on the part of the employer but does not deprive the employee of their entitled rights:

• receiving wages for the work performed;
• paid vacation;
• sick leave compensation;
• compliance with working time regulations.

Working under verbal conditions carries several risks, especially in the case of an unscrupulous employer:

• Lack of clear terms – the employer may change the salary or work schedule without notice.
• Difficulty proving the employment relationship – in case of a dispute, it is harder to prove employment without documentation.
• Loss of social benefits – lack of official employment can affect pension contributions, vacation entitlements, and sick leave rights.

To avoid unpleasant situations, it is recommended to:

• demand a written employment contract before starting work;
• document actual work performed – maintain communication records with the employer, keep timesheets, and payment receipts;
• in case of a conflict, contact the labour inspectorate or take legal action.

If an employer refuses to sign a written contract, this may indicate illegal employment practices. In such a case, it is better to consider finding another employer who complies with the law.

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