Employment Law

When the majority of adults spend over 45 years at work, it is hardly surprising that Employment Law affects most people at one time or another. Knowledge, skill, diplomacy and a safe pair of hands are needed to resolve work-based issues.

When you need support, we explain your rights and how to exercise them in plain English. We’ll give you sensible, timely, practical advice and help you choose the best course of action.

We advise on:

• Contract disputes
• Redundancy issues
• Dismissals and disciplinary matters
• Settlement agreements
• Employment Tribunal and County Court litigation
• Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption rights
• Sickness issues
• Workplace grievances and appeals
• TUPE - Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations
• Notice disputes and notice payments
• Flexible working
• Discrimination and the Equality Act 2010

Contracts

A Contract of Employment is an agreement of shared responsibilities entered into by an employer and an employee. In addition to specific statements, some terms of this contract are implied under common law or from the surrounding circumstances, such as company policies or industry custom and practice.

Words and expressions used in your agreement may be complex; we give clear, pragmatic, jargon free advice on all types of new or existing employment contracts. With our broad experience, we can help, from negotiating new terms within your contract to representation in a dispute with your employer. In using our service you are assured of support that is committed to helping you achieve your objectives.

Settlement Agreements (previously known as Compromise Agreements)

A Settlement Agreement is a legally binding agreement by which you agree to withdraw from starting Employment Tribunal proceedings against your employer or, if this process has already begun, to stop in return for financial consideration – usually in the form of a one-off payment.

For a Settlement Agreement to be binding, you as the employee, must be advised on the terms and effect of the agreement by a solicitor: once you sign the Settlement Agreement you no longer have the right to make a complaint to an Employment Tribunal.  In respect of costs, your employer will normally agree to contribute and often this will completely cover our fees.

Disputes

If you have been unfairly dismissed, made redundant or treated unreasonably by your employer we can support you to resolve your dispute.

Employment is a fast paced area of complicated law that is forever changing. Engaging us protects you from missing crucial deadlines or taking action that could prejudice your case. It is critical that you know your rights and understand how best to enforce them against your employer, otherwise you may miss out on what is rightfully yours.

Taking the right advice at an early stage often results in a satisfactory settlement and prevents a dispute from escalating. Sometimes, Employment Tribunal litigation is unavoidable and if this is the case, we act swiftly and decisively to safeguard your interests by presenting your case in a persuasive way to make sure of the best possible outcome.

If you are facing an issue at work that is of an employment law nature, or would just like some advice regarding your employee rights, please contact us to find out how we can help you.