The employee has the right to request and to receive a written employment certificate from the employer, in which the period of employment and the nature of the duties of the employee should be stated. The reason for the termination of the employment, and the evaluation of the skills and behaviour of the employee during the period of employment should also be provided, if the employee has specifically requested this.
The employee should request an employment certificate within ten years from the termination of the employment. A request for an employment certificate must be made within five years from the date when the employment ended, if employees wish to receive an evaluation of their skills and behaviour. The employer is obliged to provide a new copy of an employment certificate if the original has been spoilt or lost, unless this will cause the employer unreasonable inconvenience.
An employment certificate is an important document when you apply for a new job. You will also need an employment certificate if you are made redundant and you need to apply for unemployment benefit. Therefore, always remember to ask for a written employment certificate.