Employment Contracts

What else you might like to know about Employment Contracts

If your business takes on a member of staff, seeking the help of a legal service provider should be your next step to ensure that those terms of employment are transparent and fair. Here is some basic advice and guidance to inform your choice of legal expert. 

Why do I need employment contracts?

Employment contracts are essential documents for both an employee and an employer. Employment contracts set out the terms of an agreement to work together, making it clear what each party’s roles and responsibilities are. This offers security around employment conditions, rights and duties through a legally binding document. 

Does every employee need a contract?

Yes. A contract exists from the moment another individual accepts your job offer. Typically you are then required to provide your new employee with a written statement to cover the terms and conditions of employment within two months of their start date.

While a written contract is an important and powerful part of employment law, a verbal contract is also binding – particularly between two parties have already worked together in some form or another.

What should be included in an employment contract?

An employment contract should provide guidance to all employees on what is expected of them, typically including a definition of acceptable and unacceptable conduct. An employment contract should also outline a company's obligations to staff in terms of wage, working hours, holiday entitlement and equality policies. 

Why should a legal expert help draft an employment contract?

A legal expert's services in drafting an employment contract can prove to be invaluable. They will ensure that all terms within your contracts are legal. This may help prevent employment disputes from arising in the future. A legal service provider will also be able to advise you on the creation of contractual terms that minimise the risk to a business and retain enough flexibility to allow your employee’s duties to change and grow over time. 

What pricing structures can I expect?

Legal service providers may offer employment contract services on a flat fee basis. More complex contracts may be charged on an hourly rate basis. 

How can I find the best legal service provider?

Employment contracts are integral to the smooth running of your business. For this reason, it is important to engage legal service provider with the relevant experience and understanding of such agreements. It is also worth considering factors such as location, reputation and cost of a firm before making your decision.

Answer a few short questions now and start comparing legal service providers based on the criteria most important to you.