At TV Edwards, our experienced employment solicitors provide practical legal advice about employment contracts, staff handbooks and employee status.
A well-drafted employment contract is a very important tool that is available to employers. When time is taken to properly draft employment contracts and implement clear workplace policies, disputes can be reduced, business interests protected and compliance with employment law upheld.
As trusted business employment solicitors in London and across the UK, we give businesses of all sizes advice on drafting employment agreements, updating contractual documentation and managing any issues with workforce compliance.
Whether you are recruiting new employees or are reviewing your existing documentation, our team is here to help.
Need Help Drafting Employment Agreements? Contact Us Today
With early legal advice, you can ensure that your contracts and policies protect your business effectively. Our solicitors are able to help you:
- Draft employment contracts that are tailored to your business
- Review and update existing agreements
- Prepare staff handbooks and workplace policies
- Advise on employee status and workforce compliance
Speak to our team today for practical employment law advice.
Drafting Employment Contracts
A properly drafted employment contract gives employers and employees clarity while helping to minimise any legal or commercial risks.
Many businesses rely on outdated templates that no longer reflect current legislation or the specific needs of their respective organisations. Taking professional advice from a solicitor when you draft employment contracts can help make sure that important protections are included from the outset.
Our lawyers regularly assist employers with:
- Restrictive covenants
- Employment contracts
- Director and senior executive agreements
- Confidentiality provisions
- Probationary clauses
- Notice and termination provisions
By ensuring that contracts are tailored to your business, you can make a significant reduction in the risk of future disputes.
Drafting Employment Agreements
Effective drafting of employment agreements requires more than simply documenting terms and conditions.
Employment agreements need to accurately reflect the working relationship while protecting the interests of the business. Poorly drafted agreements can create uncertainty and increase the risk of costly and time-consuming employment disputes.
Our solicitors provide practical advice on:
- New starter contracts
- Contract updates and variations
- Flexible working arrangements
- Consultancy agreements
- Restrictive covenants and post-termination restrictions
We work closely with employers to ensure that agreements are legally compliant and commercially effective.
Why Employee Status Matters
Correctly identifying employment status is essential because different categories of worker are entitled to different legal protections. The three main categories are employee, worker and self-employed contractor.
The distinction between these categories can affect entitlement to:
- Holiday pay
- Statutory sick pay
- Redundancy pay
- Unfair dismissal protection
- National Minimum Wage rights
Employers need to ensure that their employment documentation accurately reflects the reality of the working relationship.
Staff Handbooks and Workplace Policies
Employment contracts should be supported by clear workplace policies and procedures.
A well-maintained staff handbook can help businesses:
- Set workplace expectations
- Ensure there is consistency across the organisation
- Demonstrate compliance with the relevant employment legislation
- Reduce the likelihood of disputes
We regularly advise employers when they are drafting and updating disciplinary procedures, data protection policies, equality and diversity policies and more.
Implied Terms in Employment Contracts
In addition to written contractual terms, employment relationships include certain obligations that are implied by law. For employers, these may include a duty of care towards employees, maintaining trust and confidence, and providing a safe working environment.
Employees also owe implied duties, including but not limited to following reasonable instructions, protecting confidential information, and acting in good faith.
Employers should also be aware that workplace practices may become contractual through “custom and practice” over time.
Related Employment Services
How Our Employment Solicitors Can Help
Our employment solicitors provide comprehensive support for those businesses that are seeking to protect themselves through effective contractual documentation.
We can:
- Assist with drafting employment contracts
- Assist with drafting employment agreements
- Review and update existing contracts
- Prepare staff handbooks and policies
- Advise on employment status issues
- Support workplace compliance and risk management
Our legal advice is practical, commercially focused and always tailored to the respective needs of our clients’ organisations.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English
- Highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Immediate emergency support – call us on 0203 440 8000
- Specialist representation –
- Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
Contact Our Solicitors Today
Employment Contract & Staff Handbook FAQs
Why is it important to draft employment contracts properly?
A well-drafted employment contract helps to define expectations, protect the interests of the business and reduce the risk of future disputes. It also ensures compliance with employment law requirements.
What is involved in drafting employment agreements?
Drafting employment agreements involves preparing legally compliant contracts that accurately reflect the working relationship and include appropriate protections for the employer.
Can you review existing employment contracts?
Yes. Our lawyers at TV Edwards regularly review and update employment contracts to ensure that they remain compliant with current legislation and that they reflect the requirements of the business.
Do staff handbooks form part of an employment contract?
Some policies in staff handbooks may be contractual while others are non-contractual. Employers need to ensure that contracts and handbooks clearly define their legal status.
