Employment law

Employment law changes rapidly but we are able to give up to the minute advice to employers or employees. If you have an employment law problem, we recommend you consult us without delay.

Employees

We can advise you on the legal rights to which you are entitled – whether they relate to disciplinary proceedings, maternity rights, discrimination, redundancy, applications to Employment Tribunals, or any other disputes. Often the right advice at the right time can lead to matters being resolved. Legal help and assistance may be available, subject to means.

Unfair dismissal

If you are involved in an unfair dismissal claim, we will advise you - not only on the merits of the case, but also on its potential costs and cost benefits. It is vital for both employers and employees to understand and adhere to the statutory procedures.

Employees contemplating employment tribunal proceedings will benefit from our expert advice. It is essential to be guided through the correct procedural steps before making an unfair dismissal claim to an Employment Tribunal. We can ensure you understand the steps and help you avoid traps for the unwary.

Discrimination

Sex, race disability, age – the list of grounds for discrimination claims increases. Perhaps the most difficult legal area for employers is indirect discrimination inadvertently imposed on employees.

If you are an employee and feel discriminated against, we can assess your situation and provide sound advice as to whether you have a claim.

We can ensure that you comply with the correct statutory grievance procedures so that you do not endanger the out come of your case through mistakes in the process

If you are an employer we can provide advice to ensure that you are not guilty of discrimination

Maternity and paternity rights

We can advise on the basic rights relating to maternity including:

the right not to be dismissed because of pregnancy or childbirth
the right time off for ante-natal care
the right to alternative work, or pay during suspension because of maternity
the right to maternity leave
the right to maternity pay
the right to return to work after maternity leave

Parternity rights are another area of employment law in which we advise employees including:

statutory paternity pay
qualifying period of employment
obligation to give advance notification to employer

Redundancy

If you are an employee, we can advise you of your rights including your redundancy payment, time off for looking for another job, and whether your selection was fair. We are here to make sure you receive the protection of the law in relation to your redundancy.

To contact us Please complete our general response form

Telephone 01246 209773

Our Employment Team

Trevor Hughes
- Partner, Head of Employment Department