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Contracts of Employment

Every employee is entitled by law to receive a written statement of employment particulars – see separate page. Failure to provide this can sometimes lead to a financial award in favour of the employee.


In the case of senior employees it may make sense for an employer to put in place more detailed employment provisions. Examples might include:-

Mobility – giving the employer the right to alter the employees place of work.

Confidentiality – imposing restrictions on the use of information which is important to the business following termination of employment.

Restraint of trade – imposing restrictions upon the employee in relation to their entitlement
to work in competition with the business after termination of the contract.

A contract of employment is also a very useful way of clearly setting out a basis of the agreement between the parties. For example what exactly amounts to misconduct justifying dismissal?

A contractual obligation such as a restraint of trade may be enforced by civil proceedings seeking injunctions/compensation. Courts are cautious about upholding these clauses and professional advice as to their drafting and enforcement is vital.

All employers are now subject to statutory obligations in relation to a host of matters such as equal opportunities (sex, race, disability and religion). Employers can be “vicariously” liable for the wrongful actions of employees (one example being inappropriate use of email/internet). It is wise to have in place a Staff Handbook containing policies to deal with these situations – and just as importantly to ensure that your staff are trained to the provisions contained within this Handbook and how to use it.

Lawson Lewis are able to provide expert advice as to:-

Drafting/advising in relation to employment contracts
Preparation and use of Staff Handbook/staff appraisals and management of personnel issues
Enforcement of contracts of employment (on behalf of either employer or employee) on termination of employment
The negotiation necessary to safely terminate contracts of employment

 

We are able to offer specialist advice.

Call 01323 720142 now for a consultation with a specialist Solicitor or a Lawyer at Lawson Lewis & Co.

 

Please Contact:

Jeremy Sogno (Eastbourne & Peacehaven) (01323) 720142 - E-mail 
Quintin Barry (Eastbourne) (01323) 720142 - E-mail

 

 

 

Lawson Lewis & Co Solicitors Eastbourne, East Sussex

Lawson Lewis & Co Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.