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At Stephensons, we understand that your employment contract forms the foundation of your working relationship with your employer. Whether you are starting a new job, renegotiating terms, or facing a dispute, receiving clear and reliable employment contract advice is essential. Our experienced employment law solicitors can guide you through every aspect of your employment agreement to ensure your rights and obligations are fully understood and protected.
Knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to when you sign an employment contract can make a significant difference to your career and financial security. With legislation and workplace policies continually evolving, it’s important to obtain up-to-date legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We’re here to help you examine, negotiate or challenge the terms of your employment contract with confidence.
An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms and conditions of employment. It can be written, verbal or a combination of both, but a written statement of key terms must be provided by the employer within two months of the employee’s start date. Contracts can vary greatly from one position to another, and it’s essential to ensure that they accurately reflect what has been agreed upon.
Common elements of an employment contract include job title and description, salary, working hours, holiday entitlement, notice period, grievance and disciplinary procedures, and restrictive covenants. It’s also possible for contracts to contain more complex clauses such as bonus structures, share options, intellectual property agreements, and confidentiality obligations.
It is not uncommon for employees to receive contracts that are overly complex, vague, or slanted in favour of the employer. At Stephensons, our employment solicitors specialise in providing comprehensive employment contract advice, giving you peace of mind before signing or supporting you if you're already in post and facing challenges.
We offer advice on:
With a practical and straightforward approach, we’ll ensure you fully understand your contract and support you in protecting your interests throughout your employment.
Stephensons is a nationally recognised law firm with a strong track record in providing employment law services to individuals. Our employment solicitors are Legal 500 recommended and have years of experience dealing with a wide range of employment contract issues across all sectors and levels of seniority.
We are accredited by the Law Society in Employment Law, demonstrating our commitment to high standards and specialist knowledge. Our firm is also Lexcel accredited for excellence in legal practice management and client care. While we are well regarded in employment law, our accolades also extend to criminal law, where we are recognised as one of the leading firms in the country — showcasing our broad capability and strategic thinking when handling sensitive and complex legal matters.
At Stephensons, we place a strong emphasis on clear communication, client-focused service, and achieving favourable outcomes. Our solicitors will work closely with you to explain every clause in your contract and guide you through your options, ensuring your best interests are always at the forefront.
We provide employment contract advice to individuals at every stage of the employment lifecycle. Whether you are an employee starting a new job, a senior executive negotiating a complex remuneration package, or facing contract changes due to restructuring or redundancy, we are here to help.
Our services include:
We offer flexible consultation options to suit your needs, including telephone or video appointments for your convenience. We also work on a transparent pricing structure and can offer fixed-fee consultations for contract reviews in many cases.
It’s advisable to seek legal advice on your employment contract in the following situations:
Timely advice can help you avoid potential disputes and ensure your legal position is protected.
If you need support with reviewing or negotiating your employment contract, or if you are experiencing problems with your current terms, contact our specialist employment law team today. Call us on 0161 696 6170 or fill in our enquiry form to request a callback at a time that suits you.
Your career and livelihood are too important to rely on assumptions. Let Stephensons provide the expert guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Yes, it is possible to negotiate certain terms of your employment contract, especially where they impact your remuneration, working hours, or post-termination restrictions. Seeking legal advice before signing ensures you are aware of what’s negotiable and helps you approach discussions in an informed and strategic way.
Restrictive covenants are clauses in your employment contract that aim to limit your activities after your employment ends. These may include non-compete clauses, non-solicitation clauses, or confidentiality agreements. They must be reasonable in scope, time, and geography to be enforceable, and legal advice is important to understand their implications.
Generally, an employer cannot unilaterally change the terms of an employment contract without an employee’s consent. If changes are proposed, they should be discussed and agreed upon. Legal advice can help you assess whether those changes are lawful and what options you have if you do not agree with them.
If you believe your employer has breached your employment contract, such as by failing to pay agreed wages or not honouring specified terms, you should seek legal advice promptly. Our employment solicitors can help you identify whether a breach has occurred and what steps you can take to resolve the issue, including formal grievance processes or legal proceedings if necessary.
You cannot be forced to sign a new employment contract against your will. However, if you refuse, your employer may take steps such as dismissal and re-engagement. It’s critical to seek employment contract advice before making a decision, as there may be legal remedies available depending on the circumstances.
Our dedicated employment team at Stephensons is ready to help you navigate your employment contract with clarity and confidence. Whether you're preparing to sign a new agreement or facing a contractual issue at work, we provide honest, pragmatic advice tailored to your situation. Call us today on 0161 696 6170 or fill in our enquiry form to request a callback from one of our employment specialists.
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Understanding your employee rights under 2 years of continuous service is essential if you are facing issues in the workplace or considering your options after a dispute with your employer. While UK employment law provides a wide range of protections for...
Employment contract law governs the legal relationship between employers and employees. At Stephensons, our experienced solicitors specialise in helping individuals understand their rights and obligations contained within employment contracts. Whether you...
