Employment law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can expect from employees, what employers can ask employees to do, and employees’ rights at work. At King’s Cross Barristers, our Employment team are experts in every aspect of employment law and our employment law service includes everything from Employment Tribunal representation to work discrimination and redundancy packages. We advise both employees and employers and will give you straightforward advice. Employment law covers a wide range of legal issues and each of our services is tailored to your specific needs. Our team are committed to serving the best interests of our clients and resolving all employment disputes as efficiently as possible.
Employment Contract Disputes
Employment contract disputes can arise in a range of circumstances, including when an employer wants to change the terms of a contract. Employers must get the agreement of their workers before they can make changes to their contracts. They should consult with staff members or their representatives, explain their reasons for the changes and listen to any alternative solutions proposed by employees. In some circumstances, if employers make a change without getting agreement, workers may have the right to refuse to work under the changed terms. We can help you assess this, or whether alternatively, you may treat the change as a breach of contract, resign and make a case for constructive dismissal, taking your case to an employment tribunal if necessary.
Redundancy
Redundancy can be one of the most distressing events an employee can experience. As such, it requires sensitive handling by the employer to ensure fair treatment of the redundant employee as well as the productivity and morale of the remaining workforce. Redundancy legislation is complex, and employers need to understand their obligations, including employees’ rights and the correct procedures to follow. At King’s Cross Barristers, Our Employment team can help both employers and employees with redundancy. We can advise you on the procedure from start to finish including: consultations, pools of comparison, selection criteria and suitable alternative employment. We also specialise in settlement agreements.
Unfair Dismissal
Dismissal occurs when a contract is terminated with or without notice, a fixed-term contract ends and is not renewed, or an employee leaves, with or without notice, when they are entitled to do so due to the employer’s conduct. If you believe that your dismissal was unfair, or the decision was outside the band of reasonable responses, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal. Our team can advise you of the value of your dismissal claim, and help you to reach a good deal. We can also negotiate employment termination packages on your behalf and offer tax advice. If you are called to attend an employment disciplinary or dismissal hearing, we can advise you throughout the process. We can also arrange for representation at the disciplinary, dismissal or appeal hearings.
TUPE
The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, often called ‘TUPE’, protects employees’ terms and conditions of employment when a business is transferred from one owner to another. The TUPE rules apply to organisations of all sizes and protect employees’ rights when the organisation or service they work for transfers to a new employer. Our Employment Law team have many years of experience and expertise in providing TUPE legal advice and we can support employees to enforce their rights and pursue or negotiate a TUPE claim. If you are an employer dealing with TUPE then our team can provide the best advice on TUPE so you are equipped with precise and clear legal advice before, during, and after businesses change of hands.
Whistle blowing
Whistle blowing occurs when an employee or worker raises a concern about wrongdoing within an organisation, namely: a dangerous or illegal practice which affects others, such as the public. This is called ‘making a disclosure in the public interest’. We can provide legal representation for employees victimised after blowing the whistle, but also to help before the event, by offering practical advice and assistance in how to report public interest concerns in the best way to avoid difficulties. If you are an employer facing whistle blowing allegations, we can help you resolve disputes and malpractice and offer disclosures through negotiation. Also, as a preventative measure we can help you put in place effective framework to avoid incidents of whistleblowing in the first place. We have experience in helping both sides in whistle blowing, which gives us the advantage of knowing what the other side is thinking.
Bullying and Harassment
Being harassed at work occurs in many different forms from being bullied, to receiving or being the subject of unwanted sexual comments or approaches, or being called racist or sexist. Bullying at work can have a dramatic impact on your professional life and career. If you are being bullied or harassed at work, it is important that you seek independent legal advice.
As specialist Employment Solicitors, we can advise you on raising or dealing with a grievance and if appropriate, an Employment Tribunal claim however, our aim is to save you time and money on court and court fees and we have extensive experience of negotiating through all stages to get you the best result. Our team have vast experience of handling bullying and harassment at work claims, enabling them to empathise with people who have been bullied or harassed in the workplace.
