Legal professionals could be failing to read employment contracts, study suggests

Despite landing top legal practice jobs, many professionals in the law sector still fail to read the terms of their contracts properly, new research suggests.

A study carried out by Which? Legal Services found that around one in four UK workers only skim-read their professional contacts, with six per cent failing to read the paperwork at all.

In addition, many workers, including those in legal jobs, could be placing themselves at risk of unfair treatment by not ensuring that they receive a contract before they accept a position and start in a new job, the study also found.

Commenting on the findings, Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith explained that it is vitally important that even professionals well-versed in the law take the time to read their contracts properly.

“Always read your contract before signing it and check that the terms, such as salary, holiday entitlement, notice period and redundancy procedure, are in line with what your employer agreed at your interview,” he advised.

This comes as City AM has reported on the perks included in the employment contracts of members of Prudential’s boards, with extras including chauffeur-driven cars and private health insurance.

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