Should I have my employment contract reviewed?
An outgoing employee recently asked us whether it is worth it for an employee to engage an employment lawyer to review an employment contract before it is signed.
Australia's employment law framework is extensive and provides many protections to employees. However, employment contracts are generally drafted for employers and can often be one-sided.
There are several ways that an employment lawyer can add value by reviewing an employment contract:
- Identify and seek to negotiate certain unreasonable and one-sided provisions, such as change of location and termination provisions.
- Explain ongoing obligations under the employment contract.
- Clarify any unclear or ambiguous language which may give rise to future disputes, such as in relation to bonuses and incentive arrangements.
- Advise on and consider the reasonableness of restraint of trade clauses.
- Discuss any special arrangements you think should apply in relation to intellectual property rights.
Please contact Richard Pegg (rpegg@toomeypegg.com.au) if you would like us to review an employment contract for you.
More information on Employment & Industrial Relations.