Clause library
What every UK contract clause actually means
Every contract is built from clauses. Look one up to see what it does, the UK law behind it, what a fair version looks like, and what to question before you sign.
General information about UK law, not legal advice.
Employment contracts
Garden leave clauseEmploymentA garden leave clause keeps you paid but away from work during notice, still bound by your duties. In the UK it normally needs to be written into your contract.Non-compete clauseEmploymentService agreementA non-compete clause stops you working for competitors after a contract ends. In the UK it only binds you if it is reasonable in scope, duration and area.Non-solicitation clauseEmploymentService agreementA non-solicitation clause stops you approaching a client's customers or staff. In the UK it only binds you if it is reasonable and protects a real connection.Restrictive covenantsEmploymentService agreementRestrictive covenants are the clauses that limit what you can do after a contract ends. In the UK they are void unless reasonable and no wider than necessary.Termination clauseEmploymentService agreementA termination clause sets out how a contract can be ended and what notice applies. Employees have a statutory notice floor in the UK; self-employed people do not.
Service agreements
Force majeure clauseService agreementA force majeure clause excuses a party when events outside their control stop performance. Under English law it works only if written in, and is read strictly.IP assignment clauseService agreementEmploymentAn IP assignment clause decides who owns the work you create. In the UK a freelancer owns it by default, so the assignment is what transfers ownership to a client.Payment terms clauseService agreementA payment terms clause sets when, how and how much you get paid. In the UK the Late Payment Act gives freelancers a statutory backstop for interest on late invoices.
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