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ARTICLE · 10 DECEMBER 2020

Terms Not Conditions

Hill Dickinson
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You have to pay even if the other party gives the game away

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Elle Mackenzie
Elle Mackenzie

You have to pay even if the other party gives the game away

Court rules in Duchy Farm Kennels Ltd -v- Graham William Steels [2020] that even when one party in a contract breaches confidentiality clauses, the other party must continue to uphold all of their obligations.

Background

The background to this case lies in employment law.

Graham William Steels launched employment tribunal claims against his former employer, Duchy Farm Kennels Ltd (DFK). A settlement agreement was reached between the parties: DFK agreed to pay to Mr Steels 47 weekly instalments of £330, amounting to £15,500 in return for him dropping the claims. The agreement also included a confidentiality clause stating that the existence and terms of the agreement had to be kept completely private.

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