Contracts of employment

A clear and compliant contract of employment sets the legal foundation for the working relationship between employer and employee. Getting contracts right is essential for managing risk, setting expectations, and ensuring decisions can be defended if challenged.

This page brings together Brightmine® UK guidance and resources on contracts of employment, covering how contracts are formed, what terms apply, and how changes to contractual terms should be handled in line with employment law.

Understanding how contracts arise — and when terms can or cannot be changed — helps employers manage employee relations consistently and reduces legal exposure throughout the employment lifecycle.

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Formation of the employment contract

This guide explains how employment contracts are formed, including job offers, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and how errors or misrepresentation can affect enforceability.

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Browse our full library of UK employment contract resources

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Employment law guide

Written statement of employment particulars

A guide explaining employers’ duties to provide a written statement of employment particulars, including required content, timing and …

Employment law guide

How to change the terms of existing employment contracts

A guide explaining how employers can lawfully change the terms of existing employment contracts, including consultation, agreement, dismissal …

Employment law guide

Variation of contracts

A guide explaining when and how employment contract terms can be changed, including agreement, consultation, dismissal and re‑engagement, …

Tools & templates

Letter inviting employee to consultation about changes to contract terms

Model letter to inform an employee that sickness absence without medical evidence is being treated as unauthorised absence, …

Tools & templates

Letter to employee imposing change to contract terms

A model letter for confirming a change to an employee’s contract terms where the employer is exercising an …

Commentary and Insights

Fixed-term contracts: A risky business for global employers?

Fixed-term contracts may be a popular choice or an exceptional resource. But are they the right choice for …

Case studies

Constructive dismissal tribunal round-up: express and implied breaches

A tribunal round‑up examining recent constructive dismissal decisions where employers were found to have breached the employment contract, …

Guides – How to

How to draft an employment contract

A practical guide to drafting an employment contract, covering key terms, protections for the business and how contracts …

Guides – How to

Managing Pregnancy and Maternity Rights for Employees on Fixed‑Term Contracts

Understand employer obligations for pregnant fixed‑term employees, from avoiding discrimination to providing statutory maternity leave, pay entitlements, and …

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