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Employment Law for Employees

Employment Contracts Solicitors for Employees

Understanding your employment contract is crucial for a successful and harmonious work relationship. Whether you are starting a new job or considering changes to your existing terms of employment, our team of experienced Employment Contract Solicitors is here to help you navigate the complexities and ensure your rights are protected.

Starting a New Role: What to expect in Your Employment Contract

When commencing a new job, you will no doubt be full of excitement and be keen to make a good first impression.  It is still imperative that you review your employment contract and query anything that seems incorrect.  Your contracts of employment should include the following information:

  1. Job Title and Description: Clearly outlines your role, responsibilities, and any specific tasks expected of you.
  2. Start Date and Probation Period: Specifies when your employment begins and whether there is a probationary period.
  3. Working Hours and Location: Clearly defines your expected working hours, days, and the location where you will be working.
  4. Salary and Benefits: Outlines your salary, bonuses, and any additional benefits such as healthcare, pension, or other perks.
  5. Holiday Entitlement: States the number of days of annual leave you are entitled to and any applicable holiday policies.
  6. Notice Period: Specifies the notice period required by both parties in case of termination.
  7. Terms of Termination: Outlines the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract.
  8. Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses: Highlights any obligations regarding confidentiality and non-compete agreements.
  9. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures: Describes the procedures in place for addressing grievances and disciplinary actions.
  10. Intellectual Property Rights: Clarifies ownership and usage rights of any intellectual property created during your employment.

It may be that restrictive covenants are also included, which you should review carefully before signing.

Signing a new Employment Contract: What to review

There are various reasons why your employer may request that you sign a new employment contract; perhaps you have been promoted or there has been a restructure in the business.  In this situation, we would advise that you:

  1. Review the entire contract, seeking clarification on any unclear terms.
  2. Consider consulting Employment Contract Solicitors to ensure you fully understand the implications of each clause.
  3. If certain terms are unclear or unsatisfactory, do not hesitate to negotiate with your employer before signing.
  4. Pay attention to any restrictive covenants, such as non-compete and confidentiality clauses, as they may impact your future career options.
  5. Anticipate potential changes in your life, such as relocation or family planning, and ensure the contract accommodates these possibilities.

Breach of Employment Contract

You may believe that your employer has breached a clause in your employment contract; if this is the case, the next steps would be to:

  1. Document the breach, keeping records of any incidents or actions that you believe constitute a breach.
  2. Consult Employment Contract Solicitors to assess the validity of the breach and explore potential remedies.
  3. Adhere to any grievance procedures outlined in your contract before escalating the matter.
  4. Depending on the severity of the breach, negotiate a resolution with your employer or pursue legal action if necessary.

Your employment contract is a fundamental document that shapes your work experience. Understanding its terms, seeking legal advice when needed, and negotiating when appropriate are essential steps to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial employment relationship.

Contact our Employment Law Solicitors

Our Employment Contract Solicitors from our offices in Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton or Witney are here to assist you through these complexities. If you have questions or concerns about your employment contract or employment agreement, contact our team using one of the numbers below, emailing info@parkerbullen.com or completing our Contact Form.