Employment Contracts and Agreements
With Us, Stay Sharper!
In the UK, an employment contract is an agreement between an employer and an employee covering employment conditions, rights and duties within the workplace. It signifies a legal relationship between an employer and an employee, and it does not have to be written down to be binding, an agreement can be verbal, in writing, or a mixture of both.
Even so, you have a right to receive a written statement of employment particulars, setting out the main terms of your job, on or before your first day. This written statement must reflect the national employment law (the statutory terms) and can include implied terms that are not written but mutually understood, for example those implied by custom or established workplace practice.
If your employer changes your terms without agreement, does not provide a written statement, or you are simply unsure what a clause means, it is worth getting independent advice before you sign anything or raise the issue. Sharper Labs Legal reviews contracts for employees across the UK and explains your position in plain English.
Talk to an employment-law consultant
Free, no-obligation initial consultation, we'll explain your options clearly.
How we can help with employment contracts and agreements
- Reviewing your written statement of particulars
- Checking pay, hours and holiday entitlement
- Understanding notice periods and termination clauses
- Restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses
- Contract variation without your agreement
- Zero-hours and casual worker agreements
Other advice for employees
Employment Contracts and Agreements, frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about this topic.
It is the legal agreement between you and your employer covering your pay, hours, duties and rights at work. It can be written, verbal, or a combination of both, but you are entitled to a written statement of the main terms on or before your first day.
As a minimum, your written statement should cover your job title, start date, rate of pay and pay interval, working hours, holiday entitlement, place of work, and notice periods. Many contracts also include probationary terms, sick pay and restrictive covenants.
Generally, no. Any change to your core terms, such as pay, hours or duties, normally requires your agreement, unless the contract contains a specific and reasonable variation clause. Unilateral changes may amount to a breach of contract.
Not automatically. You are entitled to read, question and negotiate any new contract before signing. If you are unhappy with proposed changes, seek advice before you agree, once signed, the new terms are usually binding.
You are still protected by your statutory employment rights even without a written statement, and you can ask your employer for one in writing. If they refuse, or you are unsure of your rights, we can advise you on the best way forward.
Talk to us for legal advice tailored to your needs
Call now or book a free initial consultation, you will never be disappointed.