Employment Law
The law relating to matters of employment is technical and it changes regularly. If you are an employer it is crucial that you remain informed and make sure your business is compliant.
We can assist you with drafting employee contracts, informing you of your duties as an employer and advising you on the appropriate course of action in disciplinary matters. We can draft compromise agreements whereby terms of settlement are reached with an employee and you are protected from future claims.
Employment claims can be extremely costly even if the employer is eventually successful and the stigma attached can affect the success of your business in the future.
It is therefore important if you become the subject of a complaint by an employee that you attempt to resolve it expeditiously. There are tight timescales for applications to the Employment Tribunal and a minor complaint may quickly become a protracted claim if it is not dealt with.
In the majority of cases a solution can be found before an application to the Tribunal becomes necessary. When an employee makes a claim more often then not it is possible to negotiate a settlement before the case reaches a hearing.
We can negotiate with the applicant on your behalf and represent you in the proceedings if the case progresses to a Tribunal.
If you are an employee and feel you have been unfairly treated you should first seek to resolve your complaint through your employer’s internal grievance procedure.
If you are contemplating making an application to the Employment Tribunal we can advise you on your prospects of success and assist you in drafting your application. We will negotiate with your employer on your behalf and represent you in Tribunal proceedings.
If your employer has offered you a settlement agreement we can advise you of its implications and ensure its terms are favourable to you.
To discuss your employment issue please contact us. Alternatively you can send a message directly using the contact form.
Employment Law FAQ's
What is the deadline for making a claim to the Tribunal?
All applications to the Employment Tribunal must be presented within a certain time limit; this varies according to the type of claim. Most claims must be presented within 3 months.
What happens at a Tribunal Hearing?
The final hearing takes the form of a trial before the “panel”. The panel usually consists of 3 individuals, at least one of whom will be legally qualified. Each party has the opportunity to put their evidence and “cross examine” their opponent’s witnesses.
It is not a requirement to be legally represented at a Tribunal hearing and the Chairman presiding over the panel will usually try to assist any unrepresented parties in adhering to the procedure. However it may be advantageous to be represented as often people feel very anxious and as a result they may have difficulty presenting their case coherently. A legal representative can help to alleviate nerves and make sure all the relevant points in your favour are made.