Our Contracts of Employment Service
Our Employment Law solicitors are experienced in drafting bespoke employment documentation to meet the unique requirements of your business. This includes contracts of employment, handbooks, procedures and policies. We understand that many businesses have business-critical and specific needs around intellectual property, confidentiality and restrictive covenants where a one size fits all approach is not appropriate. We can provide documents to match all your requirements.
We are also experienced in drafting Directors’ Service Agreements where it is critical that obligations are clear and terms around bonuses, incentives, intellectual property, confidentiality and post-termination restrictions are tailored and effective.
We also provide standard form contracts of employment, policies and procedures as part of our Myerson HR retainer service.
Learn More About Our Employment Team
Our Employment Approach
Our employment solicitors are dedicated to advising on how to achieve your business objectives in the most efficient and practical way. We pride ourselves on providing straightforward and bespoke advice tailored to your business requirements and resources.
We understand that employers need to be commercial, decisive and act calmly but quickly in sensitive employment matters.
Your work will be carried out by a qualified solicitor, who knows your business requirements best. Work is also carried out at the appropriate level, depending on the complexity, sensitivity and importance of the matter.
We work closely with our clients to ensure that we meet their expectations both in terms of their objectives and in relation to costs. We know that clarity on costs is vitally important to our clients, especially at a time when businesses are challenged by sudden and dramatic changes to economic circumstances.
As standard practice, we give our clients an estimate of the costs at the outset and provide cost updates on a regular basis.
Our Employment Contracts Expertise
Contracts of Employment
It is a legal requirement that every employer must provide any new employee or worker with a written statement of their terms and conditions before or on the date that employment commences. A statement must cover certain information required by the Employment Rights Act 1996.
It is also an opportunity for employers to formalise a wider contract of employment with the employee to bring clarity of arrangements between employer and employee and ensure the protection of business interests such as confidential information, trade connections and intellectual property.
Our specialist team of employment solicitors can provide you with all employment contracts, policies and procedures necessary to suit the needs of your business and avoid contract disputes, as well as providing you with invaluable advice on how to implement, vary and update contracts and policies, as the employment relationship progresses.
Examples:
- Conducting a review of all the contracts and policies for a household name education client in order to advise on whether the terms were contractual or non-contractual so that the client could act accordingly
- Producing a handbook and various contracts for employees in different roles for a national client providing consultancy services
- Providing a review of contracts and policies for a large recycling company in connection with advising on a TUPE transfer
- Drafting a new handbook for a manufacturing client, including policies on the new regime of maternity and shared parental leave and pay
- Drafting IT policies for various clients to enable them to manage employee use of IT, inside and outside work, and the right to monitor IT use
- Advising a UK technology business with a US parent company on how best to manage the transfer of data from the UK to the US including advice on the US safe harbour principles
- Advising an international manufacturing business on data protection, how to transfer data safely outside the UK, including European Commission model clauses and Binding Corporate rules
Directors’ Service Agreements
Directors have responsibilities over and above those owed by other employees. It is important to reflect these in the employment documentation. Directors are also more likely to have access to confidential information, trade secrets and the client/customer base of a business.
Our employment solicitors have a wealth of experience in dealing with directors’ service agreements, including providing bespoke agreements to include adequate protection of business interests and clarity around remuneration and benefits, including complex bonus and incentive arrangements.
We are also able to assist with non-executive director appointments, including drafting letters of appointment.
Examples:
- Drafting board level service agreements and consultancy agreements for an energy supplier
- Advising a large wholesale company in respect of its directors’ service agreements
- Putting in place complex bonus arrangements for the directors of a large retail company
- Drafting and advising on the enforceability of complex golden handcuff arrangements
- Assisting our commercial litigation colleagues with the enforcement of restrictive covenants, including pre-action correspondence, applications for injunctions and damages and search and seize orders
Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants
We routinely advise employers (and senior executives) in relation to the drafting and enforceability of post-termination restrictions and employee confidentiality requirements, often referred to as restrictive covenants.
Businesses that fail to agree on appropriate confidentiality and post-termination restraints with their senior employees risk potential competition and damage to business reputation and interests. It is also important to ensure this protection is kept up to date to ensure it remains enforceable.
Post-termination restrictions must be drafted in terms that are reasonable and necessary, otherwise, the Courts will not enforce them. We are experienced in drafting documentation to maximise effectiveness. We are also experienced in advising on strategy and practical steps to enforce the benefit of such restrictions.
Examples:
- Drafting tailored restrictive covenants for various businesses, including advice on non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality protection and the appropriate scope of protection
- Assisting our commercial litigation colleagues with the enforcement of restrictive covenants, including applications for injunctions and search and seize orders
- Defending a former senior employee accused of misuse of confidential information and database rights issues
- Advising on the risks of pursuing a team move to a competing business
- Advising a senior employee and new employer in relation to allegations of breach of restrictive covenants and theft of confidential information
- Advising various businesses on the introduction of restrictive covenants to employees who previously had no such clauses in their contracts
Why Work With Our Employment Team?
Our award-winning employment team offers a service that combines specialist expertise with a proactive and commercially focused approach.
- Recognised Excellence - Our employment solicitors are ranked and highly recommended in The Legal 500, reflecting the strength of our legal knowledge and the quality of service we deliver. We were also named “Employment Team of the Year” at the Manchester Legal Awards 2024, underlining our commitment to excellence.
- Specialist, Partner-Led Advice - Every client benefits from a partner-led service. Your matter will be handled by a qualified employment solicitor who understands your business, industry pressures, and objectives. We tailor our advice to your needs, considering the complexity, sensitivity, and commercial impact of each matter.
- Dispute Resolution Expertise - We have extensive experience acting for employers in a wide range of disputes, including unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing claims. Whether defending a claim in the Employment Tribunal or negotiating a favourable settlement, we protect your interests while focusing on speed, efficiency, and reputational risk.
- Strategic, Commercial Solutions - Employment issues can affect more than just the bottom line, they can disrupt morale, reputation, and leadership focus. We take a practical and strategic approach, helping you resolve disputes efficiently while safeguarding your commercial interests.
- Transparent, Cost-Conscious Service - We understand that clarity on fees is just as important as legal advice. From the outset, we provide clear and transparent cost estimates and keep you informed throughout. We tailor our work to the appropriate level, ensuring value without compromising on quality.
- Extensive Employer Experience - With years of experience acting for employers across a wide range of sectors, we offer fast, effective advice grounded in a deep understanding of your business and legal risk profile. From HR advisory support to tribunal defence, we are trusted partners to in-house teams and business owners alike.
- Accessible and Responsive - Thanks to our unique structure and firm culture, our team remains genuinely accessible and responsive. We prioritise clear communication, same-day responses, and practical guidance that enables confident decision-making.
Testimonials
Phil Davies - General Counsel and Compliance Director, TATA Chemicals Europe
I’ve worked with Myerson for many years, primarily on employment matters. I trust them to give me straightforward, pragmatic advice; not just options, but a steer on what to do. That’s what I need as a GC. They’re a credible alternative to larger firms when the balance of cost, quality and responsiveness really matters.
Vetted Limited t/a Checkatrade (UK)
I found Myerson to be flexible, with a good understanding of risk and when to take it. They also asked the right questions.
Mr. Heald
The service was excellent. Vicki was not only very professional, but timely in her responses and understanding of key timelines. I would definitely use Myerson again.
Michelle Hickman - HR Manager, Royal Exchange Theatre
Myerson were quick to respond to our initial enquiry and once engaged, dealt with our business swiftly. Charlotte and the team were attentive and friendly, while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. We were very impressed by their high level of customer service, and their support gave us security and confidence throughout their engagement. We recommend Myerson and will definitely engage them again.
Mr Brown
Anjali was very helpful and proactive in resolving my situation. She guided me through the process and achieved a great outcome. Always professional and always responsive!
Legal 500
Joanne Henderson provides ‘a first-class service' to businesses across a wide range of sectors and is also seasoned in the Employment Tribunal, and the ’very commercial' Charlotte Gilbert, who advises employers on restructurings and TUPE issues. Gilbert is also experienced in discrimination and whistleblowing claims in the Employment Tribunal.
Anon
The support team manage our expectations seamlessly, meaning we can speak to any of the team, and know that they will be aware of any ongoing enquiries. Particular mention and thanks to Vicki, who has supported us most recently, and made it easier for us to make decisions with her pragmatic advice. I personally feel I am learning from Myerson with each interaction. Super-happy with the service, thank you!
Legal 500
Very knowledgeable and the constant contact and keeping you informed sets them above their competition.
Legal 500
The firm provides a customer focus service. They provide general employment law updates and advice into our business on a tailored basis, and provide specific advice to a range of circumstances.
Legal 500
The personal relationship and having a key contact at the firm. Not only do you have a key contact per department, but also at the firm overall. They also are a integral part of the community, holding events and being invited to these as part of networking is not only fun but also worthwhile.
Legal 500
Myerson’s is small enough to be able to form personal relationships with the solicitors, yet large enough that they can provide an excellent and knowledgeable service. They have good relationships with Counsel in different areas and are able to recommend individuals for cases.
Anon
Excellent experience end to end I recently used Myerson Solicitors for assisting with my exit from the business and Charlotte’s advice, knowledge and support was great from start to finish. fully recommend.
Legal 500
The team were exceptional in understanding what was a complex matter, they utilised their knowledge of the law and technologies to support the case and ultimately their collaborative effort led to a successful result.
Anon
Excellent support. I turned to Vicki for support with an employment matter. Vicki was always clear, concise and incredibly communicative. She made the entire process easy to understand and much less stressful to navigate. Couldn’t recommend her enough.
Legal 500
Joanne Evans is extremely pleasant, accessible and people friendly, but also with significant expertise and underlying grit.
Legal 500
Myerson has a strong employment team with long-established clients and a great reputation. Their lawyers are approachable and pragmatic, and there is a consistently high level of advice given across the team
Greg McMahon, Mitchells & Butlers Plc
As always, fantastic support and crystal clear, constructive and eminently sensible advice. A joy to work with you!
Legal 500
Employment specialist Joanne Evans has ’significant expertise and underlying grit' with significant experience in large-scale redundancies, collective consultations, trade union disputes, corporate support, and advice to senior individuals.
Legal 500
The team at Myerson are incredible. They are available when needed urgently and I never have to go over old ground with anyone when progressing with cases. Their people are knowledgeable without being overwhelming, and explain everything clearly. They understand that we are not experts, so the advice is tailored to our needs and delivered in such a way that we can then make informed decisions.
Legal 500
Joanne Henderson has been invaluable in her advice and guidance to our organisation. She provides a first-class service. She is warm, personable and professional, and she is not only an expert in her field but also has a very pragmatic and thoughtful approach to her advice, which is particularly valuable.
Legal 500
Jack Latham truly cares for his clients and the outcome, he is very professional, and has excellent knowledge of the law and legal systems.
Legal 500
Charlotte Gilbert is very commercial and understands senior staff complex matters very well. She is happy to hear your thoughts too, and the advice is then very tailored to your needs and ready for implementation rather than just legal opinion.
Legal 500
Excellent knowledge with a really pragmatic approach, discusses options with pros and cons and helps plan strategies to mitigate risks. The company has a really team-oriented approach and there is no hierarchical nature at all. The team are clearly loyal to the firm and the firm is committed to inclusiveness.
Chambers UK
Myerson has a strong employment team that is recognised for its work for household-name companies. The team offers advice to clients on matters including industrial relations, redundancies and senior executive terminations. The team also has further strength in defending employers before employment tribunals in relation to claims such as whistle-blowing and unfair dismissal.
Chambers UK
Myerson is very knowledgeable, clear and proactive with ideas and recommendations. I'm very happy with the service provided. My case was handled very effectively and efficiently.
Chambers UK
Myerson gives me practical, no-nonsense advice that's tailored to what I'm looking for. They don't deal in black and white solutions, knowing when they need to find the grey.
Chambers UK
Myerson offers in-depth knowledge, informed advice, empathy and great support. Their service is second to none; I really don't know how they could improve. Their awareness of the market is first-rate.
Chambers UK
The Myerson team are firmly committed to achieving commercial results for clients with the best outcomes. It is a firm that prides itself on having the finger on the pulse of every case.
Chambers UK
Their advice is always carefully curated, thoughtful and presented in a clear format, which enables us to easily make decisions on our actions. They're available when needed, even at short notice.
Meet Our Employment Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our employment lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Charlotte Gilbert
Charlotte is the Head of Myerson HR and a Partner in our Employment Team
Contact Our Experts
You can contact our lawyers below if you have any more questions or want more information:
0161 941 4000
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