Contracts of Employment

Starting a new job should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But if your contract’s unclear, incomplete or unfair, it can affect everything from your hours to your notice rights. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you understand exactly what you’re signing, spot risks early, and negotiate terms that work for you. Whether you're reviewing a new offer or tackling changes mid-role, we’ll protect your position from induction to exit.

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For individuals

Contracts of Employment

Pre-signing contract reviews

We can review your contract before you sign, flag any unenforceable or unfair clauses, and clarify any risks before you commit.

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Negotiating key terms and restrictions

From salary and bonuses to post-employment clauses (commission, mobility, IP, restrictive covenants and post‑termination restraints), we’ll help you secure balanced terms.

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Understanding your statutory rights

We’ll make sure your contract meets legal minimums on holiday, hours, notice, family leave, sick pay and more.

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Policies and procedures

We’ll explain how disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, data protection, and social‑media policies interact with your contractual and statutory rights.

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Changes, probation, and constructive dismissal

Support with probation reviews, variations to terms, relocations or duty changes, and assessing refusal options or constructive dismissal risks.

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Breach, deductions, and wrongful dismissal

If things go wrong, we’ll provide you with expert advice and help you with unlawful deductions from wages, respond to unfair treatment or make a claim if needed.

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Questions we’re often asked

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What should be in my day-one written statement?

It must include job title, employer, place, hours, pay, holiday, notice, benefits, probation, and other essentials.

Is a verbal contract legally binding?

Yes. Oral terms can be binding alongside written terms and implied terms.

Can I say no to changes in my contract?

Often, yes, but it depends on the change. Refusing may risk dismissal, but may support constructive dismissal. Ask us for advice first.

Are restrictive covenants enforceable?

Only if they’re reasonable and protect genuine business interests. Many can be challenged.

What if I haven't received a written statement?

You can claim compensation. It’s best to raise the issue early and seek legal advice.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Marcus Pickersgill

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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Other related services

Whistleblowing

Unfair, Constructive, and Wrongful Dismissal

Employment Tribunal Claims

Settlement Agreements

Restrictive Covenants

Redundancy

Holiday Pay

Workplace Grievances

Flexible Working

Discrimination & Equality

Disciplinary Proceedings

Contracts of Employment

Breach of Contract and Unlawful Deduction from Wages Claims