Self-employed contracts

Many self-employed contractors work under verbal contracts, but it is better to have a written contract, so both parties know what to expect from each other. This can reduce the chances of disagreement later. A written contract provides stronger evidence than a verbal agreement if a legal dispute occurs.

Self-employed contracts are usually known as a ‘contract for services’ or ‘consultancy agreement’.

A contract for services is used when a freelance contractor provides a specific service to a company, such as accountancy or marketing.

A consultancy agreement is when a consultant provides advice to a company to improve performance in a specific area such as finance or information technology.

In today’s gig economy, workers sometimes find they have signed a self-employment contract, but they are treated as an employee. That means they have all the responsibilities of being an employee but without benefits such as holiday or sick pay.

If you are concerned about your employment status or feel you are being treated unfairly, please talk to us, and our employment contract solicitors will be happy to help.

Changes to your employment contract

Neither you nor your employer can change the terms of your employment contract without each other’s consent.

There are many reasons why an employer might want to change your contract. The business might be restructuring or moving, or they might need to make changes due to the introduction of new laws. Changes might be made to your duties and responsibilities, your employer’s duties and responsibilities, your salary, your working hours or another aspect of your contract.

Your employer must consult you or your representative and explain their reasons for the proposed changes and seriously consider alternative suggestions. Changes can be agreed upon directly with you or through your representative.

Please note that if a collective agreement has been reached between a representative body such as a trade union and your employer, then the changes still apply to you even if you are not a member of that body.

If your employer wants to change your contract, it is imperative to understand your legal rights.

You may be able to claim for constructive dismissal or breach of contract if there are fundamental changes that will have a detrimental impact on you. However, even if you do not sign the new contract, you may be deemed to have accepted the changes by your conduct in not objecting to them.

Talk to our employment law solicitors, who will answer any questions you have related to contract changes.