Document background
The Employee Joining Letter is a fundamental document in Australian employment relationships, typically issued after a verbal or written job offer has been accepted and before the employee's start date. It serves dual purposes: welcoming the new employee to the organization while establishing the basic terms and conditions of employment. The document must comply with Australian employment legislation, including the Fair Work Act 2009, relevant state laws, and National Employment Standards (NES). While more concise than a full employment contract, the joining letter includes essential information such as position details, compensation, working hours, leave entitlements, and other key terms. It forms part of the employment contract and is typically used for standard employment arrangements where a more comprehensive employment agreement isn't deemed necessary.
