Expert support before starting your Jersey job
Before entering into a new professional role, it is essential to understand the legal and contractual framework that will govern your employment. For senior employees, executives, and professionals in regulated sectors, employment contracts often contain detailed provisions that go well beyond basic terms. These may include performance-related conditions, post-employment restrictions, intellectual property clauses, and confidentiality obligations. At Parslows LLP, we provide legal advice at the pre-employment stage, helping clients assess and negotiate the terms of their employment with clarity and confidence.
Our service is designed for individuals who are taking on senior responsibilities or transitioning into roles where contractual terms carry long-term implications. We advise on employment contracts, consultancy agreements, and related documentation, including offer letters and side agreements. Our review focuses on key areas such as remuneration structures, notice periods, termination rights, restrictive covenants, and dispute resolution mechanisms. We also consider how these terms interact with statutory obligations under Jersey law, including the Employment (Jersey) Law 2003.
Restrictive covenants are a common feature in senior-level contracts, particularly in financial services, legal, and commercial sectors. These clauses may limit your ability to work for a competitor, approach former clients, or recruit colleagues after leaving your role. While such provisions are lawful in principle, they must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic reach to be enforceable. We provide a detailed analysis of these clauses, advising on their practical implications and whether they can be narrowed or renegotiated.
Confidentiality clauses and intellectual property provisions are particularly relevant in roles involving strategic planning, proprietary systems, or access to sensitive data. These obligations may continue after employment ends, and it is important to understand their scope before signing. We ensure that these terms are proportionate to the role and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity or future conflict.
In Jersey, employers are required to provide a written statement of employment terms within four weeks of commencement. However, for senior appointments, the contract itself typically goes well beyond this statutory minimum. We ensure that the document complies with local law and accurately reflects the agreed terms. Where inconsistencies or unclear provisions exist, we assist in resolving them before the contract is finalised.
Our advice is tailored to the individual and the role. Whether you are relocating to Jersey, moving within the local market, or transitioning from a consultancy arrangement to a permanent position, we provide guidance that reflects your professional context and long-term objectives. We also advise on housing and immigration considerations where relevant, particularly for individuals moving from the UK or overseas.
We recognise that employment decisions often need to be made within tight timeframes. Our team offers prompt, focused advice, with the option of fixed-fee reviews for standard contracts. For more complex arrangements, we provide detailed analysis and support throughout the negotiation process. Our aim is to ensure that you enter your new role with a full understanding of your legal position and contractual obligations.
We act for professionals across finance, law, technology, and commercial sectors. If you are considering a new role and want to ensure that your contract reflects your expectations and protects your interests, contact Parslows LLP for a confidential consultation.
