The Legal 500

Contracts of Employment

Contrary to common popular belief, an employer doesn’t have to provide an employee with a contract of employment.

However, they must provide an employee with a statement of their main terms and conditions within 2 months of the employment commencing (or within 1 month of any change).

Most employers do decide to issue contracts of employment as they can cover much more than the basic requirements of the mandatory statement of terms, for example, restrictive covenants.

When starting a new job or changing roles, it’s essential to make sure you understand what the contract says – and to make sure that there aren’t any surprises.

When issues arise, we can help you interpret the policies and procedures your employer has in place and can advise you on how your employer should be dealing with those issues. This arises most often in relation to cases where an employee is sick, or there is a disciplinary or grievance  issue or the employer is undertaking performance management. We have advised and supported employees in all sectors as to the policies and procedures their employer has put in place and the way in which they are implemented.

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Contracts of Employment in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Sheffield and Mansfield

Restrictive Covenants

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Employment Law - Katie Ash on Settlement Agreements

Employment Law - Katie Ash on Settlement Agreements
Katie Ash
Katie Ash
You & Your Family
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Expert Employment Law Solicitors

Our expert employment law solicitors are highly experienced and will treat each case uniquely depending on your circumstances. Our employment law specialists achieve solutions through confidential settlements and are always on hand to provide support when resolving employment law problems. We have worked on many employment law cases and each individual receives the upmost care and consideration throughout the case.

Areas Covered

Having a contract reviewed before entering in to it can be very beneficial for you so that you can ensure that the contract accurately reflects the agreement made between you and your employer.

As well as the contract of employment, many employers will decide to have a Staff or Company Handbook which sets out their working practices and any expectations that they have for their employees. A Staff or Company Handbook isn’t mandatory, but there are some policies and procedures that we would advise that every employer should have, including:

  • A Disciplinary Procedure
  • A Grievance Procedure
  • An Equal Opportunities Policy
  • A Bribery Policy
  • A Smoking Policy

However, as there are many other aspects of working practice that an employer and their employees will want to know about, many employers will decide to have a Staff or Company Handbook to ensure that the business runs as effectively as possible, with managers and staff knowing what is expected of them, what happens when, and where to find information about a particular issue when they need it.

If you have an employment problem, often it is something else for consideration within your case, so it is always worth contacting an employment law solicitor and finding out for certain.

At Banner Jones we can advise you on your legal rights regarding employment law, where they relate to the following:

  • Unfair Dismissal and Disciplinary Proceedings
  • Maternity and Paternity Rights
  • Discrimination
  • Redundancy
  • Applications to employment tribunals
  • Any other employment disputes

Employment Law

Extremely pleasant and friendly receptionist. My intention was to ring around several solicitors to get quotes, but after speaking to receptionist was happy to book an appointment.

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Katie Ash
Katie Ash

Employment Law Chesterfield

Very professional and showed empathy throughout.

Mr B, Walton
Katie Ash
Katie Ash

Professional yet personal & understanding. Excellent service

Mr P, Chesterfield
Katie Ash
Katie Ash

Katie is understanding, considerate and very kind and thoughtful in her manner.

Mrs L, Old Tupton
Katie Ash
Katie Ash

We have used Banner Jones for employment advice for over 20 years and the team have always found the best approach to resolve our problem

Mr. Richard Kay, Operations Manager, Stagecoach East Midlands
Katie Ash
Katie Ash

“Katie Ash recently reviewed an employment agreement for me and provided extremely sound and practical HR advice. She took the time to understand my background and business requirements, which proved invaluable for me to reach the right professional solution. She displayed wide industry knowledge in HR employment matters and I would, without hesitation, recommend BannerJones and their legal and consultancy services provided by her.”

David Hart InXpress Sheffield
Katie Ash
Katie Ash

97% of our clients would recommend us to a friend (Ongoing Client Survey)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to do anything else in our recruitment adverts?

You need to be able to justify if you are asking for certain levels of experience. Advertising for a bus driver who is safe and has had previous experience is one thing advertising for a bus driver with 10 years’ experience is another. The first option leaves your job advert open for all ages to apply. The second rules out individuals who may be in their early twenties.

 Other points to consider when recruiting new employees:

  • Ensure whoever is interviewing potential employee’s scores interviewees on their skills and competencies as opposed to their age.
  • Although they are not discriminatory themselves consider removing any reference to age on your job application forms.
  • Don’t ask a potential employee for a physical fitness test unless you require them. 

Once you have selected an appropriate employee ensure managers and staff are trained to monitor and avoid any discriminatory behaviour. Also make sure it is clear within any policies you have that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. Ensure managers are fully trained in diversity issues and that they are able to deal with discriminatory issues that arise within the workplace.

Do we need to worry about these requirements if we employ people in their 50’s and 60’s?

Yes you need to be aware of these requirements if you employ anyone of any age. They affect every area of employment as well as the recruitment and selection process. The requirements not only make it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of age but also harassment whether it be intentional or unintentional or to victimise an individual. 

You need to worry not only about your own actions but also your fellow employees who must be discouraged from making offensive or unkind comments about age or anything in between.

 As with other areas of discrimination if your employee can demonstrate that there has been a difference in treatment which is due to discrimination it is solely down to you the employer to show otherwise or for you to prove that you have done everything in your power to stop such discrimination. There are no limits to discrimination awards and often they include an aspect for suffering, failure to do so can be expensive. 

 

How does age discrimination requirements effect the recruitment process?

When you are recruiting employees you need to ensure you are not discriminating for or against anyone due to their age. This means you cannot advertise specific age requirements in any of your job adverts unless you can justify them.

What are the conditions of age discrimination?

In 2011 legislation new legislation was introduced making it unlawful to treat anyone differently due to their age except if it could be justified or falls within one of the exemptions to the law. The retirement age of 65 has now been phased out meaning employers can now only forcibly retire workers if it can be justified.  

 

What year did the requirements of age discrimination come into effect?

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into effect in October 2006. The retirement age of 65 was phased out between April 2011 and October 2011.

See all frequently asked questions for Contracts of Employment

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