In all employment disputes careful assessments must be made of competing issues from the outset. Issues that we are aware of and used to dealing with such as your reputation and feelings; the need for continuing income; your financial resources and your time and energy.
“Have you been discriminated against?” “Is your employer in breach of contract?” “Unfairly dismissed?” We have all seen the advertisements and whilst employees and other workers have not previously enjoyed the extensive workplace rights that they now have, employment law has never been more complicated or onerous for employees.
For example, the new obligatory dispute resolution procedures compel employees and employers alike to sit down and seek to resolve a dispute before going to tribunal. The procedures are complicated and require careful consideration before an employee or an employer takes any significant decision. There are heavy sanctions for employees and workers who fail to do so event to the point where they may be prohibited from proceeding.
We have been practising employment law since the early days of employment protection legislation and are well versed in it. This area of the law is complex and fast changing, being particularly influenced by developments in the EU.
We believe that it keeps our skills sharp to act for both employees and employers (although not at the same time!). In particular we often represent directors in board-room disputes and regularly advise on appropriate exit strategies. All of our employment lawyers are used to advising clients presented with compromise agreements and we have a good understanding of the increasingly complicated rules that govern them.
If it is necessary for an individual to enforce their rights through an employment tribunal or in the courts then we will guide him or her through the financial and other pitfalls that can arise. We pride ourselves on focusing on the need for early cost effective resolution without, of course, compromising unduly where the prospects of recovery are good.
We are regularly appointed to insurance panels where clients have the benefit of employment dispute insurance policies and have the depth in personnel to deal with cases at every level.
We are on the Equal Opportunities Commission’s panel of solicitors and have acted in a number of high profile sex discrimination claims.
We advise on:
- contracts of employment
- termination of employment
- compromise agreements
- redundancies
- discrimination cases
- employee rights including working time, maternity and parental leave and minimum wage
- the implications for employees on transfers of businesses
- proceedings before the Employment Tribunal
- breach of contract disputes
- employment policies and procedures
The solicitors specialising in this area of the law have considerable experience of representing clients at the Tribunal and before the Court. All are members of the Employment Lawyers Association. They are frequently called upon to address other professional groups (like the Institute of Personnel Management and the Institute of Directors) on employment matters.
