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Employment contract drafting

Whether you are starting a new job or you’ve been employed for some time, having a clear and well-drafted employment contract is essential. An employment contract not only outlines the terms and conditions of employment, but it also provides legal protection for both the employee and the employer. At Stephensons, our experienced employment law solicitors specialise in employment contract drafting for individuals, ensuring your rights and interests are protected at every stage of your career.

We understand that employment contracts can often be complex and full of legal jargon. That’s why we take a thorough, client-focused approach — carefully reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts to ensure they are fair, compliant with UK employment law, and tailored to your specific role and industry.

 

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What is an employment contract?

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the key terms of the employment relationship. This can include salary, working hours, holiday entitlement, notice periods, duties, and restrictive covenants such as non-compete clauses. The contract may be written, verbal, or a mixture of both, but written agreements are strongly recommended to reduce ambiguity and protect both parties.

Why employment contract drafting is important

Proper employment contract drafting provides clarity and legal certainty. It ensures that your rights as an employee are recognised and protected. A well-drafted contract can prevent disputes in the future and provide a basis for negotiation should your role, responsibilities, or working conditions change.

Some of the key reasons to engage a solicitor when reviewing or drafting an employment contract include:

  • Ensuring the terms comply with UK employment legislation
  • Clarifying complex clauses like bonuses, probation, disciplinary procedures and notice periods
  • Advising on post-termination restrictions that might affect future employment
  • Negotiating amendments to unfair or unclear provisions
  • Protecting your legal rights in the event of a contractual breach

Draft employment contract example

While each employment contract must be tailored to the individual and their role, a basic employment contract typically includes the following terms:

  • Job title and duties
  • Start date and length of contract (if fixed-term)
  • Place of work
  • Hours of work
  • Salary and payment schedule
  • Holiday entitlement and sick pay
  • Notice periods
  • Disciplinary and grievance procedures
  • Confidentiality and data protection clauses
  • Restrictive covenants (if applicable)

Our team at Stephensons can provide a bespoke employment contract tailored to your needs or fully review an existing contract before you sign, identifying areas for improvement and negotiation.

How we can help

At Stephensons, we offer a comprehensive employment contract drafting service for individuals. Whether you’re negotiating an executive-level contract or need clarity on a zero-hours agreement, our employment lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help. We will:

  • Review existing contracts and advise on amendments
  • Draft bespoke contracts for new roles or freelance arrangements
  • Provide guidance on enforceability of restrictive covenants
  • Assist in negotiations if you disagree with the proposed terms
  • Advise on contracts during TUPE transfers or company restructures

Our team understands the importance of discretion, timeliness and practicality in employment matters. We will give you clear, pragmatic advice that empowers you to make informed decisions about your employment.

Why choose Stephensons?

Stephensons is a multi-award-winning national law firm with a longstanding reputation for providing tailored legal advice to individuals across the UK. Our employment law solicitors have years of experience advising employees at all levels, from junior staff to senior executives. We are accredited by The Law Society for our expertise in employment law and are recognised in the Legal 500 directory as leading experts in this area.

In addition, Stephensons holds a Lexcel accreditation by The Law Society — a mark of quality for excellence in legal practice management and client care. We are also holders of the Investors in People Gold Award and have been shortlisted in numerous legal awards for our client service. Our broad knowledge base and client-first approach allow us to navigate even the most complex employment contract issues with efficiency and professionalism.

Common scenarios we advise on

Our employment contract drafting service is suitable for a wide range of situations, including but not limited to:

  • Starting a new job and needing a contract reviewed before signing
  • Changing roles within the same employer and offered a new contract
  • Being promoted and needing to understand changes to terms
  • Freelancers or consultants requiring a service agreement
  • Employees facing unclear or unfair contract terms

In all instances, we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and offer advice that is both practical and legally sound.

FAQs about employment contract drafting

What should I look out for in an employment contract?

Key things to review include salary terms, working hours, notice provisions, disciplinary procedures and any restrictive covenants such as non-compete clauses. If anything appears unclear or overly restrictive, seek legal advice before signing.

Can I negotiate the terms of my contract?

Yes. Many employers expect candidates to negotiate certain terms, especially at senior levels. A solicitor can help you identify which provisions to challenge and how to approach the negotiation.

What happens if I breach my employment contract?

Breaching your contract can have serious consequences, including dismissal or legal action. If you're facing potential breach allegations, contact our legal team immediately for advice.

Are verbal contracts legally binding?

Yes, verbal contracts can be legally binding, but they are difficult to prove. A written contract provides a clearer record of terms and is strongly recommended.

Can my employer change my contract without my consent?

Your employer must obtain your agreement before making any significant changes to your employment contract. If changes are made without your consent, you may have grounds for legal action.

Contact us

If you require expert advice on employment contract drafting, speak to one of our experienced employment law solicitors today. We are here to protect your rights and ensure that your employment terms reflect your role and responsibilities fairly.

Call us now on 0161 696 6170 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you.

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