A New Job?
What do I need to know about the contract I’ve been offered?
So, you’ve got a new job lined up, the employer is keen for you to start and they’ve sent you a draft contract of employment asking you to sign it. Instead of rushing to sign it, read it carefully to check that it suits your needs. Prior to starting a new job, you have the best chance to successfully negotiate changes to the terms and conditions of your contract. In addition to pay and benefits, it is important to look at the other proposed contractual terms. These include:
- Mobility clause – A mobility clause in a contract details how ‘mobile’ you agree to be. This could include working at different locations. To avoid situations where you might have to travel longer distances for example, try to confirm a set limit on what is considered to be ‘reasonable’ mobility.
- Restrictive Covenants – It is important to check the contract for any restrictions, known as restrictive covenants, that you will continue to be bound by after you leave employment and for how long they will apply. Some restrictions you should look out for are confidentiality and restrictions regarding working for competitors. Clarifying this at the outset is important to avoid becoming limited in choice after your employment ends.
- Flexibility clause – Flexibility may be in relation to shift patterns, duties you are expected to do or even levels of pay or entitlement to bonuses.
- Training repayment clause – Is there a training repayment clause requiring you to repay your employer any training costs they incur, possibly on a full or scaled repayment basis? This could include training costs for courses you attend and qualifications you receive.
Can you change your contract?
- If the employer is keen for you to start soon, they are more likely to agree to changes to your contract.
- Once you’ve signed the contract and arrived for your first day of work, the pressure on the employer to change any terms will reduce and they’ll become less willing to change it.
- It may seem tricky to negotiate such things but it’s not unusual. Many an employer is likely to be impressed by negotiations conducted sensibly and realistically.
Specialist Employment Solicitors
We assist people with a range of problems at work. These include:
- Advice on contracts
- Disciplinary/grievance procedures
- Negotiation of severance packages
- Settlement agreements and mediation
- Representation in the employment tribunals and courts.
For more guidance and assistance on this – a sensible, realistic approach – contact Morrish Solicitors on: 033 3344 9600 or simply email [email protected] with your request.
