Employment Contracts

Building strong working relationships and protecting business interests from the start.

Contracts of employment are key – they set the tone for the whole working relationship between employer and employee, give clarity to both parties, and reduce the risk of disputes. We help employers and senior leaders put in place tailored contracts and policies that reflect business priorities, meet legal obligations and provide a clear framework for the future.

Contracts of employment

We draft and review the full range of employment documentation – from bespoke contracts for senior executives to suites of agreements for different categories of worker. Every document is tailored to the organisation’s needs and designed to withstand challenge.

Our work includes:

• Drafting new contracts and revising existing agreements.
• Advising on implementation and variation of terms.
• Resolving contractual disputes, including breach of contract, confidentiality and restrictive covenant issues.
• Advising on employment status - including employees, workers, consultants and contractors – and supporting clients when status is challenged.

Employment policies and staff handbooks

Policies and handbooks are the framework through which workplace standards are set and enforced. We create materials that are not only compliant with employment law but practical, and aligned with your organisational culture.

Our services include:

• Advising on procedures for absence, performance management and disciplinary action.
• Producing tailored staff handbooks and workplace policies.
• Auditing existing documents to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice.
• Advising on updates required by changes in law or organisational priorities.

Employee incentives

Reward structures are a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent. We advise on the design and implementation of share option schemes and other incentive arrangements, drawing on the expertise of our corporate and tax colleagues. This integrated approach ensures schemes are commercially effective, legally compliant and aligned with long-term business goals.

Advising senior executives

We also advise senior executives on all aspects of employment contracts, including reviewing and negotiating contract terms, advising on restrictive covenants and bonus provisions, and advising on exit terms and disputes about contractual entitlements.