Employment Contracts & Handbooks
Contact of Employment Drafting & Advice
Contracts of Employment and Employeee Handbooks
When you start any job in the UK you should be provided with a contract of employment, or a standard employment contract.
Employment contracts can differ in that they may not always carry the specific terms and conditions of the job, in which case company handbooks will be provided to give employees more in-depth information. This forms the basis of contract of employment law, but if you need further explanation, here at NorthgateArinso we’ll be able to help.
What is a contract of employment?
A contract for employment is a legally binding agreement between the employer and employee outlining the position offered, holiday entitlement, salary and the basic terms and conditions of the role. This is classed as a standard employment contract and is required by contract of employment law.
It’s a legal requirement that this contract for employment be provided within two months of the employee accepting the position, and once it’s formed a number of legally enforceable rights and duties arise. A written Contract of Employment will ensure that any potential for future disagreement is minimised, meaning that standard employment contracts can protect both the employer and the employee.
Not all terms within the contract for employment will be explicitly agreed in writing (otherwise known as express terms) as all employment contracts have certain implied terms such as:
- to maintain trust and confidence through co-operation;
- to act in good faith towards each other;
- to take reasonable care to ensure health and safety in the workplace.
Under contract of employment law both the employer and employee will be expected to follow the contract for employment, as any breach could result in a court intervention.
The Employee Handbook
Anything not specifically included in the contract for employment will usually be referenced in the employee handbook or company policy within the Contract of Employment. If the employee handbook has been referenced in the contract for employment, then the handbook will be incorporated into the contract itself. It’s important to make sure that the wording of an incorporated document does not conflict with the contract, as this could lead to a dispute.
The Employee Handbook also gives employers the opportunity to communicate key messages about their cultural values and strategic vision and goals, helping employees to understand more about the organisation and their role within it.
What happens when an employer gets it wrong?
Confusion of employment contracts can lead to misunderstandings and disputes which can later manifest into costly claims.
- An employee can claim damages for breach of contract, or for a sum due under the contract, before an employment tribunal. The maximum limit that can be awarded (effective from 1st October 2009) is £25,000.
- Employees who consider that their employment contracts have been terminated unfairly can apply to a tribunal. The basic award payable for unfair dismissal (effective from 1st October 2009) is £11,400.
- An employee can also make a claim for damages for wrongful dismissal.
- Where an employer imposes a change to employment contracts, an employee could claim damages or could resign and claim constructive dismissal.
- Contract of employment law allows any employee who is successful in making a statutory claim to ask for additional compensation of two or four weeks' pay where the employer has not provided a written statement, has provided an incorrect or inadequate statement, or has not updated the statement within one month of a change to its terms.
Why choose NorthgateArinso Employer Services for advice on employment contracts?
- Expertise: Our team is made of up of experienced practitioners with backgrounds in HR, Employment Law and Trade Unions. We can deliver a personal and professional service at a distance, avoiding unnecessary costs.
- One Stop Shop: Our team will liaise with and advise you fully when preparing your Contract of Employment and Employee Handbook.
- Competitive Pricing: We will agree a fixed fee meaning no hidden surprises with regards to costs, and our prices start from just £350.00.
So, at NorthgateArinso, we can provide you with any employment advice you require including assistance in the complex world of standard employment contracts and contract of employment law, ensuring the best possible outcome. We can prepare standard employment contracts and handbook structures and can even advise of the 'between the lines' content, making sure you’re fully up to speed. Professional and personal, we’re here to assist with your standard employment contracts in any way we can, so make sure to get in touch today.
For more information on Employment Contract Drafting
To find out more about our Employment Contract and Employee Handbook Drafting Service, please call 0845 073 0260 or fill in our short enquiry form.
First Business Support Ltd (No. 03056267) trading as NorthgateArinso Employer Services is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for general insurance business.