Although there is a legal obligation for an employer to provide a written contract after 1 month's work, it is quite common in the UK to have no formal written work contract for temporary or short-term positions. Many large companies (e.g. McDonalds) have standard work agreement documents, but with smaller companies the agreement will often be verbal.

A verbal agreement in English law usually has the same validity as a written one, although it is of course more difficult to prove in court in case of dispute.

Advice of work agreements
When possible it is better to have a written agreement. If the employer does not provide this then make sure the terms of your employment are very clear:
- How much are you paid
- When will you be paid
- What form will payment be made in (cash, cheque etc)

If you have doubts about the work agreement you are offered then either seek advice or look for work elsewhere.