Topic 1 Introduction to the labour market of Cyprus, employment contracts and rights
All employees who work for more than eight hours per week and for longer than a month should be informed in writing of the terms of their employment.
The employee should receive this written contract or letter within a month of starting work. This applies to temporary, fixed-term and permanent employment. The written document should be signed by the employer and include the following:
- The names of the employer and employee
- The address of the business and, if different, the employee’s place of work
- The job title, grade and a description of the role
- The employee’s start date
- For temporary employment the duration of the job
- The collective agreements which govern the employment
- The following information or mention of the relevant laws or collective agreements should also be included:
- The amount of paid leave the employee is entitled to and when or how it may be taken
- The required notice period
- Normal working hours
- Salary details
The Web Portal of the Republic of Cyprus contains the following agreements:
- Contract of Employment for Various sectors (Employment of Aliens Service)
- Contract of Employment for domestic worker
- Application for employment of Aliens by Companies with foreign investment
Accessible through this link.
Different types of Work Contracts
As an employee, you are on a fixed-term contract if your contract ends:
- On a specified date
- When you complete an agreed task
You are considered a fixed-term employee if you are:
- A casual or seasonal employee hired for up to 6 months during busy periods
- Someone who has been recruited for a particular project
- A person who provides maternity cover
As a fixed-term worker you are allowed the following same conditions as a permanent employee:
- Pay
- Conditions
- Benefits package
- Protection against dismissal or redundancy (however you are in breach of contract if you terminate the work arrangement before the specified date and there is nothing in the fixed-term contract about ending the work prematurely.
You are a freelancer and consultant if:
- You are in business for yourself or as part of another company
- Bid or quote for work that you offer
- Choose how and when to work
- Sort out your tax and N.I payments
- You do not have the same rights as workers (e.g., minimum wage)
As a freelancer you have certain duties. These are:
- A contract that details their rights and responsibilities.
- Health and safety protection on your premises.
- Protection against discrimination (in some instances).
Your work is on a zero hour contract if:
- You are on call to work at whatever time
- You are not obligated to give minimum hours
- You don’t have to accept the work that you are offered
As a worker on a zero hour contract you can:
- Look for work
- Take an additional work elsewhere
The importance of work contracts
- A work contract benefits both the employee and the employer
- It clearly defines the rights and obligations of each party
- It protects the job security of the employee
The Cypriot employment contract
The Law is very clear about the obligation of the employer to bring to the employee’s attention detailed information about the employment contract within one month from the commencement of the collaboration. The information can be delivered by employment contract or by letter of appointment.
Your rights as an asylum seeker in Cyprus
- In the link below, UNHCR Cyprus offers a detailed overview of your rights as an asylum seeker in Cyprus with regards to access to healthcare, to education, the right to work, the right for housing etc.
- https://help.unhcr.org/cyprus/applying-for-asylum/your-rights-and-duties-as-an-asylum-seeker/
