Employment contracts in Big Stone Gap, Virginia are legally binding and consist of an agreement between employer and employee regarding specified work conditions. Contracts for employment in the state of Virginia are negotiable, which allows the parties to arrive at an agreement best suited to their work relationship. If conditions are met, the employment contract for a set amount of time will provide the employee with a guarantee of job security. It also gives employees some degree of control directly over employee productivity.

Common Terms in Virginia Employment Contracts

Virginia employment contracts usually include many terms such as a description of the job, employment duration (generally at-will employment), compensation/benefits, and grounds for terminating. However, there are also other, less common, clauses that are worthy of notice. First, an arbitration clause requires parties to forego their rights to access the courts for any employment dispute.

Furthermore, the contract can contain a termination clause, also known as a "severance clause". Courts have held that employers who violate these clauses when firing a person may be sued for wrongful termination. Also, work that is completed by an employee, or information obtained by them are covered in clauses known as confidentiality clauses and non-compete clauses.

How Can a Big Stone Gap Lawyer Help?

Big Stone Gap has many lawyers specializing in Virginia employment law who can help you understand what the terms of the employment contract are. A lawyer can also lend counsel about what is fair to you in the contract, and can negotiate certain terms that will address your particular concerns as you enter or leave employment.