Can I be required to work overseas?

With globalisation there is an increasing practice of employers requiring workers to work overseas.

Reference to any requirement to work abroad for at least one month must be included in the written statement of particulars, which should be issued to all employees within eight weeks of starting work. It should specify:

• how long you are expected to work abroad
• the currency of payment
• any additional payment
• the terms and conditions of employment on return to the UK

Absence of any such reference to working overseas may not be conclusive, however, since it may be held that, for some job holders, there is an implied duty to comply with a request to work overseas.

The Posted Workers Directive gives protection for workers who are required to work in another EU country. It guarantees that employment rights in that country, such as working hours, holidays and health and safety, also apply to the posted worker.