Employment contracts for small businesses in the UK

Who this is for

This service is for employers who are hiring their first employee, growing a team, or relying on contract templates that no longer fit the business. A good contract does two jobs. It meets the legal requirements, and it sets out clear expectations on both sides so that problems are easier to resolve later. A poor or missing contract tends to show up at the worst possible moment, such as a dispute about notice, pay or restrictions after someone leaves.

Common situations

• You are making your first hire and want to get it right from day one
• You are using an old template that does not reflect current law or your business
• You need contracts for different roles, such as full-time, part-time or fixed-term
• You want to add or update clauses, for example on confidentiality, intellectual property or restrictive covenants
• You need to change terms for existing staff and want to do it properly
• You have been asked for a written statement and are not sure what it must include

How Progressive HR helps

I draft a contract tailored to the role and the business, rather than dropping your details into a generic template. Under UK law, employers must give employees and workers a written statement of employment particulars on or before their first day of work. I make sure the contract covers this, and I explain the key terms to you in plain English.

• Pay, hours, place of work and job title
• Probation periods and notice
• Holiday, sick pay and other benefits
• Confidentiality, intellectual property and, where appropriate, restrictive covenants
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Fixed-term, part-time and other contract types

I can also prepare variation letters when you need to change terms for existing employees, with advice on consulting properly and obtaining agreement.

How it works

1. Send me the role details, or book a free 20-minute call if you would like to talk it through first.
2. I confirm the fixed price and any points that need a decision from you.
3. I draft the contract and send it with a short plain-English guide to the key terms.
4. We make any final changes, and you are ready to issue it, usually within a couple of working days.

Pricing

An employment contract is a fixed price from £150 for one role, with additional roles from £75 each. If you are also building your HR foundations, the HR starter pack from £1,200 includes an employment contract template, the Essential policy pack, an offer letter and an onboarding checklist.

If you need contracts regularly, an HR Helpdesk plan from £149 a month can cover routine documents.

Why work with Richard

I have drafted and reviewed contracts across many roles and sectors, and I have seen what goes wrong when they are unclear. You deal directly with me, and my documents are reviewed personally before they reach you. Progressive HR provides HR guidance, not legal advice. For complex or high-risk terms, such as restrictive covenants for senior hires, I will tell you if it is worth having an employment solicitor review the final wording.

Frequently asked questions