Contract: templates and forms

For two people or businesses who have agreed to end a dispute — over money, goods, work done, damage or a deposit — by one paying the other an agreed sum. The agreement records the payment and when it is due, that once paid it settles all claims about the dispute, that neither side admits liability, and that each bears its own costs. It is not for a dispute with an employer: an employee's claims are settled only by an agreement made after independent advice, or through Acas. Both sign it; each keeps a copy.

For a client and a self-employed consultant or freelancer in England and Wales, working on their own account or through their own limited company. The agreement covers the services, fees and invoices, expenses, the right to send a substitute, who owns the work, confidentiality, liability, ending the contract and the off-payroll working rules (IR35) for medium and large clients. Its wording does not decide employment or tax status, which follows how the work is actually done, so each party should take advice if the status is unclear.

For a business in England and Wales that provides services to another business: consultancy, design, maintenance, marketing or IT support. The agreement sets out the services, the fees, invoicing and payment within an agreed period, who owns the work produced, confidentiality, data protection, a cap on liability, notice to end it and the law of England and Wales. Late payment carries statutory interest. Both businesses sign. For an individual freelancer, the freelance consultancy agreement fits better.

For an employer and an employee in England, Wales or Scotland who agree that the employee will work partly or wholly from home: a signed variation of the contract setting out the pattern of days, the start date, equipment, any contribution to costs, workstation safety, data security, an optional trial period and how the arrangement can be reviewed or ended. Everything else in the contract stays the same. Signed by both; each keeps a copy.

For an employer in England, Wales or Scotland taking someone on for a set period — maternity cover, a season, a project: a contract with an end date that is also the written statement of particulars the law requires on or before the first day. It includes the protection of the Fixed-term Employees Regulations 2002, the four-year rule for successive contracts and early termination by notice. Each party should take advice before signing. Signed by both; each keeps a copy.