We use cookies to track usage of our site. Details of these can be found on our Cookie Policy. You may choose to decline all tracking cookies, but if you do some key features may not work as expected.

Home / Expertise / Employment and business immigration / Employment Contract Solicitors

Employment contract solicitors

Why are employment contracts important?

Employment contracts are a vital part of the employer–employee relationship. A well-drafted, written contract sets out the terms and conditions of employment clearly, helping to prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties.

By law, all employers must provide employees with a written statement of their employment terms from the first day of work. Having a clear and compliant employment contract not only ensures legal obligations are met, but also provides clarity on rights, responsibilities, and expectations in the workplace.

Our specialist employment contract solicitors can draft, review, and advise on contracts to make sure they are legally sound, tailored to your business, and reduce the risk of disputes.

 Need advice?

 CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US

What should be included in an employment contract?

The following must be included in contracts of employment:

  • The name of the employer and employee.
  • The date the employment begins.
  • The individual’s working location(s).
  • Their contracted working hours.
  • Their holiday and sick pay entitlements.
  • The job title and description.
  • Salary details, including how often the individual will be paid.
  • The individuals notice period.
  • Any pension provisions.

Do I need a solicitor to help me write employment contracts?

While you don’t necessarily need a solicitor to help you write employment contracts, they are a great way to reduce miscommunication. Many businesses overcomplicate employment contracts, making them confusing and sometimes causing staff to skim read the document. Therefore it is highly recommended to ensure an employment contract solicitor drafts an employment contract, to ensure clarity and to ensure they are legally compliant.

Employment contract solicitors can help you ensure everything is written in plain English, avoiding confusion and unnecessary disputes. When the wording in an employment contract isn’t right, it can leave a business open to financial loss if an unfair dismissal is claimed.

If a contract isn’t written properly a court may refuse to uphold it. For example, a contract containing restrictive terms and conditions that prevent staff from sharing information about the company and it’s projects may be refused if it’s drafted poorly or is unreasonably restrictive. 

When you work with an employment contract solicitor you’re ensuring that your employment contacts are reasonable and will stand in court.

Why choose Wright Hassall?

Getting your employment contracts right is crucial to a happy working environment. Whether you need help writing your employment contracts or you’re facing a tribunal regarding an issue(s) with your employment contracts, our team at Wright Hassall are here to help.

Get in touch with us today for further support!

FAQs

  • What legal status does an employee hold?

    When creating employment contracts it’s important to understand your employees status:

    • Employees are entitled to employment rights like the right to not be dismissed unfairly (this applies after two years of working in a company), as well as holiday and sick pay.
    • Workers have some employment rights such as holidays, breaks and minimum wage. While they have some of the same rights as employees, they aren’t as protected.
    • Self employed people only have basic rights like health and safety protections and the right to not be discriminated.
  • Are employment contracts legally binding?

    Contracts of employment are a legally binding agreement between and employer and employee. If the contract is breached it means one of the terms has been broken. This could include the employer not paying a staff members wages.

  • What should I do when changing contracts of employment?

    When changing an employment contract an employer must consult with an employee prior to doing so. Once agreed, an employer should confirm the changes in writing.

  • When should a contract of employment be issued?

    A written contract of employment should be given to an employee before or on their first day of employment.

  • Can your employer terminate your contract?

    There are 5 fair reasons for terminating an employment contract:

    • Conduct
    • Capability
    • Redundancy
    • Statutory illegality
    • Some other substantial reason

     

    If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, please get into touch with us.

Speak to an employment lawyer?

Tina Chander

Key contact

Tina is head of our employment law team. She deals with contentious and non-contentious employment law issues. Tina also heads the firm's business group.

Phone

01926 884687

Email Address

tina.chander@wrighthassall.co.uk

Meet the team

I wanted to express my thanks for the support and coordination of what has been at times a challenging case. The “style” of advocacy from the other side has not made the process any easier. It is great to see after all the hard yards, we came out with the result that we all hoped for. Thanks everyone for your support and effort during this challenging and stressful process, and thankfully a fantastic result!

A satisfied client

Related services

Employment law and HR
Employment law retainer ('YEAR')
Underwater scene with fish and coral Outsourced HR consultancy

 

                         

Recent articles

Turtles in the sea
September 11th, 2025 Bridging generations: Unlocking the power of a multigenerational workforce

In this insightful episode, join Tina Chander, Partner & Head of Employment Law, Gemma Clark, Associate in our Employmen...

Read article
Turtles in the sea
September 9th, 2025 ACAS early conciliation delays: What it means for you and your claims

ACAS early conciliation delays are impacting tribunal claims. Learn what this means for employees and employers, plus pr...

Read article
Underwater scene with fish and coral
July 16th, 2025 Employment Rights Bill roadmap 2025: What employers need to know

Explore the Employment Rights Bill roadmap for 2025–2027, including key employment law reforms, timelines, and how UK em...

Read article