Dangers of taking a job without an appointment letter.

[Etini]

With the high rate of unemployment, people are desperate to accept any job offer even without being issued a formal appointment letter. They rely on verbal agreements and negotiations during the interview process to be considered as employees of the organisation. It is very detrimental to such a staff to work without an appointment letter in the following ways:

1) No clarity on terms of engagement: Usually, an appointment letter contains the terms of a staff's engagement and the responsibilities on both sides. Any discrepancy on these terms can be settled with the contents of the appointment letter. An absence of it would lead to assumptions which might not favour the employee.

2) Tendency for exploitation: Staff that have not been issued with an appointment letter might end up being exploited in terms of multiplicity of role/ responsibilities and even payments because there is no appointment letter that clearly defines the boundary of their job roles.

 

[Leah Kelvin]

An employee who accepts a job offer without an appointment letter subjects both herself and the employer to uncertainties and difficulties. Lack of a formal document that stipulates terms and conditions of employment can create misunderstandings concerning wages, benefits, duties, hours of work among employees. The absence of legal security through appointment letters makes it difficult to resolve conflicts leading to insecurity and instability for the employee. In addition, its lack has great implications on accessing support and advancement in career life. Employers may also exploit such situation by offering low pay and poor working conditions. A written agreement is important for preventing legal issues as well as ensuring that there is no confusion in their relationship at work.

 

[Abigael]

Starting a job without being issued an appointment letter is so dangerous for sure. The appointment letter usually contains the terms on your employment with the specific area of practice and responsibilities. Lack of which may lead you to being exploited to doing any kind of job.

It could also cause you to be fired anytime because there was no agreed period for your working nor the agreement for termination.

Moreover, the appointment letter usually states your salary. Lack of it may lead you to being paid less than what you really deserve. And you cannot present any of this cases in a court of law because you did not agree to any of it.