LESSON PLAN: CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
Subject: Commerce
Class: S.S. 1
Topic: Contract of Employment
Duration: 40 Minutes
Curriculum: Nigerian National Curriculum (NERDC)
I. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define employment and list its key aspects.
- Identify the different types of employment.
- State the benefits of employment to individuals and society.
- Define "Employer" and "Employee."
- Outline the rights and duties of both the employer and the employee.
II. Introduction to Employment
Meaning of Employment:
Employment is a legal contract or agreement between two parties where one party (the employee) performs specific tasks or services for another party (the employer) in exchange for compensation, usually in the form of wages or salaries.
Key Aspects of Employment:
- The Agreement: It involves an offer, acceptance, and consideration (payment).
- Remuneration: There must be a payment involved (Salary, Wage, or Commission).
- Control: The employer usually has the right to direct how the work is done.
- Duration: It can be for a fixed period or indefinite.
- Legality: The work performed must be lawful.
III. Types of Employment
In the Nigerian commercial environment, employment generally falls into these categories:
- Full-Time Employment: The employee works the standard number of hours required by the employer (usually 40 hours a week).
- Part-Time Employment: The employee works fewer hours than a full-time worker.
- Casual/Temporary Employment: Work done on a "need" basis, often without long-term benefits or job security.
- Contract/Fixed-Term Employment: Employment that ends on a specific date or upon completion of a specific project.
- Self-Employment: Where an individual works for themselves rather than for an employer.
IV. Benefits of Employment
- To the Individual: Provides a steady income, offers opportunities for skill development, and provides a sense of dignity and social status.
- To the Employer: Provides the necessary labor to produce goods or services and generate profit.
- To the Society: Reduces crime rates, contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and generates tax revenue for the government (PIT - Personal Income Tax).
V. The Employer
Meaning:
An employer is an individual, an organization, or a government body that hires, directs, and pays people (employees) to perform work.
Rights of the Employer:
- To expect the employee to perform tasks diligently.
- To terminate the employment according to the terms of the contract.
- To expect loyalty and confidentiality regarding business secrets.
- To manage and direct the business operations.
Duties of the Employer:
- Payment: To pay the agreed wages or salary on time.
- Safety: To provide a safe and healthy working environment.
- Tools: To provide the necessary tools and equipment for the job.
- Statutory Obligations: To remit taxes and pension contributions (e.g., PAYE and PenCom in Nigeria).
- Leave: To allow for official breaks and annual leave as per the Labour Act.
VI. The Employee
Meaning:
An employee is a person who is hired by an employer to perform specific duties under an employment contract in exchange for a salary or wage.
Rights of the Employee:
- Fair Compensation: To receive the agreed-upon payment for work done.
- Rest: To have breaks, weekends, and annual leave.
- Safe Environment: To work in an environment free from hazards.
- Fair Hearing: To be given a chance to defend themselves before disciplinary action is taken.
- Trade Unions: The right to join or form a labor union for collective bargaining.
Duties of the Employee:
- Obedience: To follow lawful and reasonable instructions from the employer.
- Diligence: To perform duties with care and skill.
- Loyalty: To act in the best interest of the employer and avoid "conflict of interest."
- Confidentiality: Not to disclose the employer's trade secrets or private information.
- Attendance: To be punctual and regular at work.
VII. Summary and Evaluation
Summary:
A contract of employment is the foundation of the relationship between a boss (employer) and a worker (employee). It outlines what each person expects from the other. In Commerce, understanding these roles ensures that businesses run smoothly and workers are treated fairly under the law.
Class Evaluation Questions:
- In your own words, define Employment.
- Distinguish between a full-time employee and a casual worker.
- Mention three duties of an employer to his worker.
- Why is it important for an employee to be loyal to their employer?
- Identify two rights of an employee according to the Nigerian context.
VIII. Assignment
Draft a sample "Letter of Appointment" (Employment Contract) for a shop assistant in a retail supermarket. Include the salary, hours of work, and two duties.
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