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.

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Employment contract solicitors

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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.

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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

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