Contracts of Employment - What You Need to Know

What is an employment contract? 

A written statement of particulars of employment, more commonly known as a contract of employment, is a legally binding document. It benefits both the employer and employee, providing a clear framework for the employment relationship and outlining the rights and obligations of both parties. In the event of workplace disputes, a well-drafted contract can protect employers  from claims such as unequal pay and discrimination. 

How to draft a successful employment contract

Assessing your needs 

When drafting an employment contract, the first step is to assess what is appropriate for your organisation and your employees. Contracts can range from lengthy, detailed agreements for senior staff and executive directors, to shorter, more straightforward contracts for roles with less responsibility.  

While standard templates that outline basic terms and conditions are a useful and efficient way to set out contractual rights and obligations, it’s important to consider whether a particular employee's role or circumstance requires bespoke drafting. The most effective way to use a standard template is to treat it as a starting point and adapt it to fit the specific needs of the role. 

What needs to be included? 

Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 requires employers to provide written confirmation of their terms no later than day one of employment. Key elements of an employment contract are laid out in our comprehensive HR checklist. Designed for business owners, managers and HR professionals, completing the checklist offers you a simple yet effective way to identify gaps in compliance and areas for improvement. 

How we can support you with your employment contract needs 

Even with access to the right HR resources, navigating HR documentation can be challenging, particularly with the frequent changes in employment legislation. This is where we can help. Whether you’re just getting started, or looking to optimise your existing practices, our HR compliance support provides tailored solutions to help you run smoothly and ensure long term success. 

We offer a variety of contractual templates that comply with UK employment legislation and reflect HR best practices, all of which can be customised for your organisation. Alternatively, if you already have an existing contractual documentation in place, we can review it in detail, summarise our findings and provide recommendations for necessary updates.  

Our goal is to ensure our clients can focus on their core priorities, confident that they are fully HR compliant.

To find out more about Buzzacott’s HR Consultancy service or to discuss your specific requirements with one of our HR experts, simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.