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Employment Contract Drafting

Employment Contract Drafting – Clear, Compliant Contracts to Protect Your Business

A well-drafted employment contract is one of the most effective tools an employer has to manage risk, protect commercial interests, and set clear expectations in the workplace. It provides clarity for both employer and employee, helping to reduce misunderstandings and prevent disputes from arising during the course of employment.

Poorly drafted, inconsistent, or outdated contracts can expose businesses to a range of problems. These may include employment tribunal claims, uncertainty over rights and obligations, difficulties enforcing restrictive covenants, and confusion around notice periods, pay, benefits, and duties. As employment law continues to develop, it is important that contracts are regularly reviewed and updated to remain compliant.

A clear employment contract should set out key terms such as job role and responsibilities, pay and benefits, working hours, holiday entitlement, notice periods, confidentiality obligations, and any post-employment restrictions. It should also reflect the practical realities of how the business operates.

At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we draft and review employment contracts for employers across a wide range of sectors. We ensure that contracts are legally compliant, clearly written, and tailored to the specific needs of your business and workforce.

We also advise on updating existing contracts to reflect changes in law or business structure, helping employers stay protected as their organisation grows and evolves.

Our aim is to provide clear, practical employment documentation that reduces legal risk, supports effective workforce management, and gives employers confidence that their contracts are fit for purpose.

 

Have a question? Jump to our FAQs ↓

 

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Smiling solicitor in a light blue shirt and red tie, representing the East Midlands legal firm Ellis-Fermor & Negus, known for family law, property law, and employment law.

We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future.

Darren Kelly

Director and Head of Dispute Resolution

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Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?

Extensive experience in employment contract drafting across sectors

Advising businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large organisations

Clear, enforceable, commercially-focused contracts

Local employment law specialists across the East Midlands providing nationwide coverage

Practical guidance that aligns legal compliance with operational needs

Meet the team

Darren Kelly

Darren is the Head of our Dispute Resolution team and has over 20 years’ experience in Dispute Resolution. Darren qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after reading Law and undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. He worked for a time as a legal clerk before joining Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 1998…

01773 744 744

d.kelly@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Darren Kelly is based at our Ripley Office.

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Ben Bourne

Ben Bourne is one of our directors and works within our Commercial Litigation and Charity Law departments. Ben is a member of the Charity Law Association and has also served on a number of Charity Trustee Boards.

01159 221 591

b.bourne@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Ben Bourne is based at our Beeston Office.

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Smiling young solicitor in a formal suit and orange tie, representing Ellis-Fermor & Negus law firm.

Dylan Stanway

Dylan is a Solicitor in the Litigation department at our Ripley office. Dylan Studied LLB Law undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. He then completed the Legal Practice Course in the first intake at the University of Law in Nottingham. Dylan lives in Beeston and enjoys running in his free time, especially in Wollaton…

01773 744 744

Dylan.Stanway@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Dylan Stanway is based at our Ripley Office.

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Charlotte Price

Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2025 having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023. Prior to that, she studied LLB Law at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022 with a first. She then completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. Charlotte provides advice on a range of civil disputes…

0115 972 5222

Charlotte.Price@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Charlotte Price is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Solicitors discussing legal matters during a consultation at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in Beeston

Reviews, what our clients are saying…

‘Ben Bourne is exceptional, and I highly recommend him and Ellis-Fermor. After 30+years of service, I was being made redundant and a had few days to complete a settlement agreement. After cold calling Ellis-Fermor, Ben immediately put me at ease, stepping me through the process and explaining things simply and clearly. Ben took on board my situation and worked diligently to secure an improved redundancy offer within the stringent timescales. I hope not to go through redundancy again, but if I do, I will be calling Ellis-Fermor and asking for Ben.’

‘Charlotte Price at Ellis Fermor & Negus recently advised me on an employment related matter. By responding quickly and giving particularly thorough advice, we achieved a swift and agreeable resolution and with much less stress than would otherwise have been the case. Thank you, Charlotte.’

‘Due to accepting voluntary redundancy I involved this company to read through and advise me on my termination contract. Tim Jones was the solicitor assigned and hand on heart he was brilliant, guiding me through and negotiating where necessary. I would highly recommend this firm.’

‘Ben Bourne dealt with my husband’s redundancy paperwork very professionally today. He checked everything, went through and explained each clause step by step. A friend, who contacted a different solicitor also because of redundancy, said he only went in to sign his paperwork and was only in the office for seconds; at no point was anything explained to him. Ben showed empathy with my husband and seemed genuinely interested in what his next steps were because he asked questions. A true professional. Thanks for making a worrying time much easier, Ben. I will definitely recommend Ben to friends and colleagues.’

‘They demonstrated a strong level of expertise and professionalism throughout my case, ensuring that I fully understood each stage of the process. Their communication was clear, timely, and consistent, which gave me confidence and peace of mind during what could have been a stressful situation. They took the time to listen carefully to my concerns and provided practical, well-considered advice tailored to my circumstances. I felt that my best interests were their priority, and they approached my case with diligence and attention to detail. In addition, their responsiveness and willingness to answer questions made the experience far more manageable. Overall, their combination of legal knowledge, client care, and reliability makes them a firm I would not hesitate to recommend to others.’

Frequently Asked Questions

An employment contract is far more than a formality. It defines the legal relationship between employer and employee, sets expectations from day one, and provides clarity for both parties.

Effective employment contracts help employers to:

  • Reduce the risk of employment disputes
  • Control termination and notice arrangements
  • Protect confidential information, intellectual property, and business interests
  • Ensure compliance with employment law

When contracts are unclear or outdated, disputes often arise at the end of employment, when risks are highest. Early, well-considered drafting can prevent costly claims and misunderstandings.

We provide comprehensive employment contract drafting and review, including:

  • Permanent and fixed-term employment contracts
  • Senior executive and director service agreements
  • Probationary and notice provisions
  • Pay, bonus, and benefits clauses
  • Working hours, flexible working arrangements, and remote working terms
  • Confidentiality, intellectual property, and data protection clauses
  • Restrictive covenants and post-termination protections

Every contract is tailored to your business, sector, and risk profile, ensuring that legal obligations and operational realities are aligned.

Drafting New Contracts and Updating Existing Ones

We regularly assist employers with:

  • Drafting contracts for new hires
  • Updating outdated employment contracts
  • Introducing revised terms across a workforce
  • Aligning contracts with current employment law and best practice

We also advise on how and when contract changes can be implemented lawfully, helping employers avoid breach of contract or constructive dismissal claims.

Whether you are scaling your workforce, hiring executives, or revising contracts due to legal changes, we ensure your contracts are fit for purpose.

Employment law evolves constantly. Contracts that were suitable a few years ago may no longer provide adequate protection.

We ensure employment contracts:

  • Reflect current legal requirements, including working time, pay, and equality obligations
  • Are drafted with enforceability and commercial realism in mind
  • Anticipate future disputes, not just day-to-day operations

By focusing on clarity, certainty, and practicality, we help businesses reduce risk and strengthen governance.

  • Transparent, fixed-fee drafting is often available
  • Clear pricing agreed upfront, so there are no surprises

Focus on practical, clear, and enforceable contracts without unnecessary legal complexity

Yes. Employers are legally required to provide a written statement of employment particulars, and a full employment contract is best practice.

Yes, but changes must be handled carefully. We advise on lawful implementation to avoid disputes or claims.

They can be enforceable if drafted correctly and proportionately. We ensure covenants are reasonable, legally compliant, and tailored to your workforce.

Regularly. Employment contracts should be reviewed whenever there is legislative change, business growth, or organisational restructuring.

Yes. Fixed-fee drafting and review are often available and agreed upfront, giving employers certainty over costs.

Absolutely. We draft contracts that incorporate modern workplace arrangements, ensuring clarity and enforceability.

Yes. We have extensive experience drafting senior-level contracts, including directors and trustees, tailored to risk, responsibilities, and sector-specific requirements.

If you need employment contract drafting or review, our employment law team can help you protect your business, reduce risk, and ensure clarity in all employment relationships.

• Phone:

0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)

0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)

0115 922 1591 (Beeston)

01773 821665 (Belper)

01773 744744 (Ripley)

• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk

• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us

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