Employment Contracts Tailored to your Business
Whether you run a small local business or manage a large workforce, clear and legally compliant employment contracts are essential. They protect both employer and employee, set the tone for a professional workplace, and reduce the risk of disputes.
Why Employment Contracts Matter
An employment contract is more than a formality, it is the foundation of the working relationship. A well-drafted agreement sets out terms and conditions, protects both parties’ rights, and defines responsibilities. Contracts should always reflect the specific needs of the business and be updated to keep pace with changes in the law and workplace practices.
Risks of Poorly Drafted Contracts
Relying on outdated or generic templates can expose businesses to unnecessary risk. Common pitfalls include:
- Ambiguity and uncertainty - vague terms may create confusion and are often interpreted against the employer.
- Non-compliance with statutory requirements - missing or incorrect terms can result in tribunal claims and compensation.
- Unenforceable restrictive covenants - overly broad clauses may be struck out, leaving businesses unprotected.
- Wrong employment status classification - mislabelling staff as self-employed can trigger HMRC investigations and liabilities.
- Failure to update - contracts must evolve with legal and business changes; outdated terms may no longer be valid.
Tailored vs. Template Contracts
While templates can appear convenient, they rarely account for a business’s unique structure, sector, or staffing arrangements. A tailored contract, by contrast, provides clarity, compliance, and confidence that the agreement works in practice for both employer and employee.
Preventing Disputes
One of the most valuable functions of a robust employment contract is the prevention of disputes. Tribunal claims for wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, or discrimination are costly, time-consuming, and damaging to reputation. Clear and enforceable terms at the outset are one of the best safeguards against such risks.
How We Can Help
We provide a bespoke employment contract service designed to meet the needs of your business. This includes:
- An initial consultation to understand your organisation and staffing requirements.
- Drafting tailored contracts (or a suite of contracts for different roles).
- Advice on related policies, such as disciplinary and grievance procedures.
- Guidance on implementation and regular updates.
Whether you are hiring your first employee or reviewing existing contracts, we ensure your documents are clear, fair, and legally sound.
If you would like to review your employment contracts or draft new ones, contact us for a confidential discussion. Contact us today on 01271 340668 to speak to a member of our team.