Breach of Contract Solicitors
Contract disputes in the workplace can cause significant disruption and financial loss. Whether you are an employee seeking enforcement of your contractual rights, or an employer accused of breaching those terms, it is important to obtain expert legal advice at an early stage.
At Sunrise Solicitors, our breach of contract lawyers has the experience and insight to guide you through breach of contract disputes with confidence and clarity. We aim to help you resolve matters amicably where possible, but we are also prepared to take legal action to protect your interests if necessary. Reach out to us and get your free initial advice from our expert breach of contract solicitor. We may offer our services on ‘No Win No Fee’ basis as well.
What Is a Breach of Contract
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to comply with the terms of a legally binding agreement. Contracts may be written or verbal and include both express terms (those clearly stated) and implied terms (those assumed to be part of the agreement by law or custom).
Few of the examples of a breach may include:
- Failure to make agreed payments
- Failure to carry out contractual duties
- Delivery of work that does not meet agreed standards
- Delays in performance that result in financial loss
- Unjustified termination of employment without notice
In employment law, common breach scenarios may involve unpaid bonuses, short notice periods, unauthorised deductions, or enforcement of restrictive covenants.
How our Employment Law Advice service work
Our Employment Law Advice service generally begins with a short free initial assessment carried out by telephone call or virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp video call.
During this brief conversation, we listen carefully to your situation, identify any urgent tribunal or contractual deadlines, and confirm whether we can assist.
This stage serves as a triage rather than a full review of documents, but it often provides enough information for you to decide whether you need more detailed advice.
Where settlement is not possible or appropriate, we can help you to issue or defend an Employment Tribunal claim and guide you through each stage of the procedure set out on GOV.UK.
Given that the basic Employment Tribunal time limits are short and the interaction with ACAS Early Conciliation can be complex, it is safer to seek Employment Law Advice as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline is close.
What Are the Elements of a Valid Contract
Before a breach can be claimed, it must be established that a valid contract existed. A legally binding contract typically requires:
- An agreement – an offer made and accepted
- Intention to create legal relations – usually presumed in business relationships
- Consideration – something of value exchanged, often in the form of money or services
Contracts may be formalised in writing, agreed orally, or inferred through conduct, depending on the context.
Express and Implied Terms
Contractual obligations may arise in different ways:
- Express terms are those clearly agreed in writing or verbally. For example, a salary figure or start date.
- Implied terms are not specifically stated but are considered essential. These may arise from custom, practice, or legal necessity. For instance, an implied term that a product or service must be fit for its intended purpose.
Disputes often arise when there is disagreement about what was agreed, especially in cases where there is no written document or the wording is unclear.
What Is an Anticipatory Breach
In some cases, a breach has not yet occurred but it is clear that one party does not intend to fulfil their obligations. This is known as an anticipatory breach. For example, if a supplier gives advance notice that they cannot deliver services as promised, the other party may be entitled to end the contract and seek remedies without waiting for the agreed deadline to pass.
What Remedies Are Available
The primary legal remedy for a breach of contract is damages. This is financial compensation intended to place the affected party in the position they would have been in had the breach not occurred.
Other potential remedies include:
- Specific performance – a court order requiring a party to carry out their contractual obligations
- Injunctions – an order to prevent or reverse certain actions
- Rescission – the cancellation of the contract in serious cases
The court will consider how serious the breach is, whether loss has occurred, and whether reasonable steps were taken to reduce the damage. In cases involving emotional distress, such as contracts for holidays or leisure, damages may also cover non-financial loss, though this is rare in employment matters.
Making a Breach of Contract Claim
To bring a successful breach of contract claim, you must be able to show:
- That a valid contract existed
- That one or more terms of the contract were broken
- That the breach caused you actual loss
- That you took reasonable steps to reduce your losses
In most cases, breach of contract claims are brought in the civil courts, where the time limit to take legal action is six years from the date the breach occurred. It is important to act promptly and gather as much supporting evidence as possible, including the contract itself, relevant correspondence, and any records showing the loss suffered.
How Can We Help
At Sunrise Solicitors, our team of breach of contract solicitors offer expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We regularly advise on:
- Breaches of employment contracts
- Unpaid wages, bonuses, or notice pay
- Disputes over restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses
- Claims for constructive or wrongful dismissal
- Negotiated settlements and severance agreements
- Representation at Employment Tribunals and civil courts
We will carefully assess your case, review the relevant documentation, and help you build a strong legal argument. Our aim is always to secure a cost-effective, practical resolution, whether through negotiation or formal proceedings.
Why Choose Sunrise Solicitors
- We are a London-based law firm with a national client base
- Our team includes experienced employment solicitors with a strong track record in contract claims
- We provide clear, practical advice in plain English
- We act for both employees and employers in breach of contract disputes
- We are known for our strategic approach and commitment to achieving favourable outcomes
- We offer flexible consultation options, including remote appointments
- In certain cases, we may act on a No Win No Fee basis
Sunrise Solicitors has been trusted by clients for over 17 years, with extensive experience in employment law and civil litigation. We are here to help you protect your contractual rights and resolve your dispute with confidence.
