Rebecca Welton

Yes – contracts of employment are important in ensuring that both employers and employees have a clear understanding of what is expected during the term of employment. This means that both parties understand their obligations and entitlements, leaving less room for disputes around expectations.

This answer varies from case to case as it often depends on the circumstances. Typically, if the proceedings run smoothly all the way to a final hearing, the process takes around a year depending on how busy the tribunal is when timetabling the hearing. However, in some cases the proceedings can take longer particularly where the issues are complex, where there are adjournments or if there is an appeal. On the other hand, some proceedings may be much shorter especially if the parties enter settlement discussions.

This is a condition in a contract or agreement that restricts or prevents the actions of one or both of the parties. Typically these are used in employment contracts to prohibit employees from competing with their ex-employer once they have left the business. They are something that both employees and employers should be mindful of when agreeing the contract of employment as they can become very important on termination of employment. If they are drafted correctly, they can be a very effective tool for employers to ensure that their business assets are protected.