Your Employment Contract & Rights

At TV Edwards, our experienced employment solicitors provide clients with clear and practical advice on employment contracts and workplace rights. 

Your employment contract is one of the most important agreements between you and your employer, as it sets out the terms of your working relationship and the legal obligations that are owed by both parties. Obtaining early legal advice for employment contract matters can help you to prevent disputes and protect your position into the future. 

As trusted employment solicitors in London and across the UK, we often advise employees on their:

• Contractual issues
• Restrictive covenants
• Notice periods
• Workplace disputes

Whether you need support from an experienced employee contract lawyer before you sign a contract, or advice regarding existing terms, our team is here to help. 

Need Advice on Your Employment Contract? Contact Us Today

If you are reviewing a new contract, negotiating terms, or dealing with a dispute within your workplace, getting early legal advice can make a significant difference. Our solicitors can help you:

• Review and explain employment contract terms
• Advise on restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses
• Clarify your legal rights and obligations
• Negotiate terms to better protect your interests

Speak to one of our experienced work contract lawyers today for the clear and practical advice you require for your situation.

Employment Contract Advice

We provide expert advice on employment contracts for employees across a wide range of sectors and seniority levels. 

It is typical for employment contracts to contain complex legal terms that can significantly affect the future rights, obligations, and career opportunities of those people they relate to. Seeking advice from an employee contract lawyer before signing can help identify any potential risks and avoid disputes later. 

Our team regularly advises its clients on:

• Employment contracts and service agreements
• Restrictive covenants
• Confidentiality clauses
• Bonus and commission arrangements
• Notice periods and termination provisions

We aim to provide practical and strategic advice that focuses on protecting the position and long-term interests of our clients.

What Forms Part of an Employment Contract?

Contrary to popular belief, not all employment contracts are required to be in writing. However, employers are legally required to provide their employees with a written statement that outlines the key terms of their employment.

When put into practice, employment relationships are often governed by multiple documents, including:

• The employment contract itself
• Staff handbooks and workplace policies
• Confidentiality agreements
• Bonus or commission schemes
• Restrictive covenant agreements

A specialist employment lawyer will be able to review these documents and explain how they affect your legal rights and obligations.

The Law on Employment Contracts

The law on employment contracts governs the legal relationship between employers and employees and sets out what the rights and responsibilities owed by both parties are. 

Employment contracts include both express terms (the written terms that are agreed between the parties) and implied terms (obligations which are automatically recognised by law). 

Examples of statutory rights protected under the law on employment contracts include:

• Minimum notice periods
• Protection against unlawful deductions from wages
• Holiday entitlement
• Protection from discrimination

Understanding the law on employment contracts is essential if you are trying to negotiate terms or if you are involved in a workplace dispute. 

Implied Terms in Employment Contracts

In addition to the written terms, employment contracts also contain implied legal duties. For employers, these might include providing a safe working environment and protecting employee wellbeing, among other things. 

For employees, these duties might be following reasonable instructions and protecting confidential information. Implied terms can also arise through ‘custom and practice’, where a workplace practice has become established over time.

Obtaining legal advice for employment contract issues can help you clarify both your written and implied rights. 

Notice Periods and Termination Rights

Employers and employees can agree on contractual notice periods, provided they meet the statutory minimum requirements. Current statutory minimum notice periods are: 

• Less than one month of employment – no statutory notice required
• One month to two years – at least one week’s notice
• More than two years – one week’s notice for each complete year worked (up to 12 weeks) 

It might be that your contract provides for longer notice periods or additional termination rights. A specialist employee contract lawyer can then review your contract and explain how these provisions apply to your specific situation. 

Related Employment Services

How Our Solicitors Can Help

Our employment solicitors provide practical support and representation on all aspects of employment contracts and workplace rights. We are able to:

• Review and negotiate your employment contracts
• Advise you on the restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses
• Assess any contractual disputes and potential claims
• Clarify the notice periods and termination rights 
• Provide strategic employment law advice that is tailored to your specific circumstances

Our focus is always on protecting your position while achieving outcomes that are practical, satisfactory, and cost-effective. 

Why Choose TV Edwards? 

• 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
• Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English

Contact Our Solicitors Today

Employment Contract FAQs