Employment contract lawyers for employees

Employment contracts are fundamental to your rights and protections at work, clearly defining what you and your employer can expect from each other. Problems can arise when contracts contain unfair terms, when employers breach agreed conditions, or when misunderstandings occur about your contractual obligations and entitlements.

This article explores common employment contract issues, including unfair terms, breaches of contract and negotiation strategies. It also highlights why involving Monaco Solicitors’ specialist employment contract lawyers can make a significant difference to the outcomes you achieve.

See our practical Guide on employment contracts if you’d like more detailed information about the topics covered here.

 

Expert employment contract lawyers for employees

When you’re facing uncertainty or disputes related to your employment contract, it’s important to get the right support. Monaco Solicitors’ specialist employment contract lawyers provide reliable employment contract legal advice specifically tailored for employees.

Unlike other firms, we only represent employees (not employers), so you’ll always receive clear, uncompromised guidance dedicated to your interests.
Our expertise in employment contract law ensures you understand your rights and options, helping you to make informed decisions about your contract of employment.

 

When should employees seek advice on employment contracts?

You should seek professional employment contract advice whenever:

• You’re presented with a new employment contract or changes to existing terms, especially if these changes significantly affect your job role, salary, or work conditions.
• You suspect your employer has breached the terms of your contract of employment, such as withholding pay or benefits, or altering working conditions without your consent.
• You face redundancy, dismissal, or disciplinary actions that impact your contract and need clarity on your rights and possible courses of action.
• You’re negotiating new terms, considering a promotion, or planning to leave your current employment and want to ensure your contractual rights are protected during this transition.
• Your contract includes complex terms such as restrictive covenants or confidentiality clauses that could limit your future employment options.

Early advice can prevent potential disputes, secure better terms, and ensure you understand your contractual obligations, protecting your career and future

Common issues with employment contracts

Employment contracts are meant to protect both parties, but issues frequently arise. Common problems include:

Unfair terms

Unfair terms disadvantage employees, often limiting your rights unfairly or imposing overly restrictive conditions.

Unfair terms examples:

• Excessively broad or long restrictive covenants that unfairly limit your ability to work elsewhere after leaving your employer.
• Unreasonable notice periods requiring disproportionately long notice from you compared with those your employer has to give you.
• Terms that allow your employer to change your job role, location, or working hours without consultation.

Unclear or ambiguous terms around such issues as bonuses, pay increases, or promotions that make it difficult to claim what you are rightly owed.

 

Breach of contract

A breach of employment contract occurs when an employer fails to honour agreed terms.

Common examples  of breach of contract:

• Failing to pay you agreed wages, overtime, or bonuses.
• Changing terms such as your job roles, responsibilities, or work location without your consent.
• Denying promised benefits like healthcare, pensions, or working conditions.
• Not providing you with adequate notice or compensation in cases of redundancy or termination.

Addressing breaches quickly is essential to safeguard your rights and financial interests.

Contract negotiations

Contract negotiations can be intimidating. However, we can help you negotiate better terms or negotiate them for you.

Examples of contract negotiation areas :

• Increased salary and improved benefits, such as enhanced pension contributions, bonuses, and healthcare packages.
• Flexible working arrangements, such as remote working, part-time options, or flexible hours.
• Clearer definitions of roles and responsibilities to protect you against unreasonable demands.
• Fairer notice periods and redundancy terms that better protect your job security and financial stability.

Our employment contract lawyers for employees can guide you through negotiations or undertake the negotiations on your behalf, ensuring favourable outcomes tailored to your personal circumstances.

Reviewing your employment contract

An employment contract review is essential to identify problematic clauses and understand your obligations clearly. A contract review will typically be carried out at the beginning of new employment or if/when you have issues with your existing contract.

In an employment contract review, Monaco Solicitors’ employment contract specialists will typically assess:

• Salary, bonus schemes, and benefit packages for fairness and clarity.
• Working hours, including overtime conditions and flexible working rights.
• Notice periods, ensuring they are reasonable and balanced.
• Restrictive covenants, ensuring they don’t unfairly limit future employment.
• Conditions around termination, redundancy rights, disciplinary processes, and grievance procedures.
• Specific conditions relating to confidentiality, intellectual property, and data protection to protect your rights and future opportunities.

This detailed review ensures the terms and conditions of employment align fairly with your expectations and legal rights.

Why choose our employment contract lawyers?

Monaco Solicitors’ specialist team offers expert employment contract advice, solely representing employees and providing objective, committed representation to secure the best possible outcome.

Clients choose us because:

• We have deep, specialised knowledge of employment contract disputes and proven success in resolving these issues.
• Our employment contract advice is practical, accessible, and free from confusing jargon.
• We advocate assertively for employee rights, successfully negotiating and if necessary litigating against employers.
• We offer clear, transparent pricing and personalised support tailored to your specific employment contract needs and concerns.

FAQs about employment contracts

Here’s a variety of questions and answers about employment contracts that employees frequently ask and which you also may find helpful.

What is a contract of employment?

A contract of employment is a legally binding agreement between you and your employer that sets out the terms and conditions of your job. It includes details such as your job role, salary, working hours, holiday entitlement and notice period.

Even if not written down in full, an employment contract can be formed through verbal agreement.

Does my employer have to give me a contract?

Yes, under UK law, your employer must provide a written statement of your main terms and conditions of employment by your first day of work. This document doesn’t have to include every term of the contract but must outline key aspects such as job title, pay, and working hours.

What should I do if my employer breaches my employment contract?

If your employer breaches your employment contract, such as by failing to pay you correctly or unilaterally changing your role, you should first raise the issue internally through HR or a grievance process.

If that doesn’t resolve the matter, you should seek legal advice from a specialist employment contract lawyer such as Monaco Solicitors as you may be entitled to compensation.

Can I negotiate the terms of my employment contract?

Yes, you are entitled to negotiate the terms of your employment contract before signing it or when changes are proposed.

Having professional employment contract legal advice from specialist employment contract solicitors such as those at Monaco Solicitors can significantly strengthen your position and help ensure you only agree to fair and beneficial terms.

How long do employment contract disputes typically take to resolve?

The timeline for resolving employment contract disputes varies based on complexity. Informal resolutions or negotiated settlements may take a few weeks, while formal grievance procedures or legal claims may take several months.

Having the support of experienced legal representation can significantly speed up the process.

What should be included in a contract of employment in the UK?

A UK contract of employment should clearly set out your job title, salary, hours of work, place of work, holiday entitlement, notice periods, sick pay terms, pension scheme details, and any disciplinary or grievance procedures. It should also specify any probationary period and any post-employment restrictions such as non-compete clauses.

What are my rights if I have no contract of employment?

Even without a written contract, you have statutory rights as an employee. These include the right to receive the National Minimum Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, and protection against unfair dismissal after two years of service.

Can I refuse to sign a new contract of employment?

You can refuse to sign a new contract if the terms are significantly worse or imposed without consultation. However, refusing to sign may lead your employer to attempt to enforce changes through dismissal and re-engagement.

It’s important to seek legal advice before refusing or signing, so you fully understand your rights.

What is a restrictive covenant in an employment contract?

A restrictive covenant is a clause that limits what you can do after leaving your job. Common types include non-compete clauses, non-solicitation clauses, and confidentiality clauses. These clauses must be reasonable in scope and duration to be legally enforceable.

What are the common unfair terms found in employment contracts?

Common unfair terms include: clauses favouring your employer, such as excessive notice periods for you; one-sided flexibility clauses; vague bonus structures; and restrictive covenants that go beyond what is necessary. These terms can often be challenged or renegotiated with support from a suitably qualified employment contract lawyer.

What next?

If you face uncertainty or disputes regarding your employment contract, we’re here to help. Monaco Solicitors specialises exclusively in UK employment law, representing only employees and workers.

Our team of employment contract solicitors provides clear, effective legal advice and representation tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore how we can assist you:

• Email: communications@monacosolicitors.co.uk
• Phone: 020 7717 5259
• Online: Click here and tell us about your case.