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.

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

Employment Contract Solicitors

Our people Related services Recent articles

Why are employment contracts important?

Written contracts are important as they clearly outline the terms and conditions of a staff member's employment. This can avoid a lot of confusion between an employer and employee.

By law, employers are required to provide a written statement of the terms and conditions of employment as soon as the staff member starts working.

"The team at WH have a very consultative and collaborative approach with their engagements. We have actively avoided employment disputes and solved employment disputes through their consultative and collaborative approach."

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.

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

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.