EMPLOYMENT LAW                                       

We advise both employers and employees on employment law issues, including workplace disputes, settlement agreements, redundancy, discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal.

​

Employment issues can be time-sensitive. In many Employment Tribunal claims, strict limitation periods apply. For example, employees are usually required to start ACAS Early Conciliation before bringing a tribunal claim.

​

How We Can Help Employees

​

We can advise employees on:

• unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal;

• redundancy and restructuring;

• discrimination, harassment and victimisation;

• whistleblowing;

• disciplinary and grievance issues;

• employment contracts and workplace policies;

• unpaid wages, holiday pay and notice pay;

• settlement agreements; and

• Employment Tribunal claims.

​

Settlement Agreements

​

A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employer and employee, usually ending the employment relationship or resolving a workplace dispute.

​

For a settlement agreement to be valid, the employee must receive independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the agreement. We can explain:

• what the agreement means;

• the rights and claims being waived;

• any payments or benefits being offered;

• confidentiality and restrictive covenant clauses;

• the risks and benefits of signing; and

• whether any changes should be requested.

​

How We Can Help Employers

​

We can advise employers on:

• contracts of employment;

• staff handbooks and workplace policies;

• disciplinary and grievance procedures;

• redundancy processes;

• managing sickness absence and performance issues;

• discrimination and whistleblowing issues;

• settlement agreements;

• defending Employment Tribunal claims; and

• employment law compliance.

​

Clear contracts, policies and procedures can help employers manage workplace issues and reduce the risk of disputes.

​

Employment Tribunal Claims

​

We can assist with bringing or defending Employment Tribunal claims, including:

• reviewing the background and documents;

• advising on merits, risks and possible compensation;

• dealing with ACAS Early Conciliation;

• preparing or responding to a claim;

• negotiating settlement where appropriate;

• preparing schedules of loss;

• dealing with disclosure and witness statements;

• preparing for preliminary and final hearings; and

• instructing a barrister where advocacy or specialist representation is required.

​

The time required will depend on the issues involved, the stage at which the matter resolves and the tribunal’s timetable. Some matters settle at an early stage, while others proceed to a final hearing.

​

Business Advisory Support

​

We can also provide advisory support to business owners on employment law obligations and changes in employment legislation.

This may include:

• reviewing contracts and policies;

• advising on workplace procedures;

• identifying documents or processes that may need updating;

• advising on redundancy or restructuring proposals;

• advising on employee relations issues; and

• providing written advice where agreed.

​

Our Approach

​

At the outset, we will:

• discuss the background to the issue;

• identify any urgent deadlines;

• explain the available options;

• advise on the likely process and timescale;

• provide clear information about costs before work begins; and

• keep you updated as the matter progresses.​