Employment Solicitors

With a solid and proven track record in helping employees to safeguard their professional career and protect their employment rights, our employment law specialists are here to put your mind at ease.

UK employment law is continually changing, and every year, we see new developments and alterations. As an employee, employment law is meant to protect your rights and ensure that your workplace is a safe environment. Despite the implementation of this law, situations can arise where employers don’t comply – and your rights can be brought into question.

Navigating the intricacies of employment law can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. Our committed team of experienced advisors specialise in dealing with all forms of employment cases, negotiating settlements, and attaining the most satisfactory outcome for you.

The areas of employment law we cover include:

Unfair or constructive dismissals

Unfair dismissal is when your employer terminates your contract without a valid reason or doesn’t follow the correct dismissal process. Constructive dismissal is when you’re forced to leave your job as a result of your employer’s conduct. If your dismissal can be classified as unfair or constructive, you may be entitled to compensation, and you can rely on our team to help you challenge your dismissal and receive the compensation that you deserve.

Discrimination

There are various types of discrimination in the workplace, which include direct discrimination (less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic), indirect discrimination (when an organisation’s practices affect a person with a particular characteristic) harassment (related to a protected characteristic) and victimisation (often as a result of alerting or assisting a person experiencing discrimination). If you’re feeling discriminated against, we can advise on the best course of action.

Redundancy

Redundancy is a form of dismissal from the workplace as a result of the whole business closing down, the business closing at a particular workplace, or the business needs fewer people carrying out work of a particular kind. If you are made redundant, your employer must act in accordance with your contract and the law. By failing to do so, you might have a claim for unfair dismissal or other claims.

Settlement agreement

A settlement agreement is a legal contract between you and your employer. This binding contract can be created when you make a complaint against your employer, or your employer has an issue to raise with you, and they want to settle the dispute before you pursue a claim, or take the case any further. You could be asked to sign a settlement agreement, but before proceeding, it is necessary to seek the advice of a solicitor to advise you of your rights and negotiate the most successful outcome for you.

Change of contractual terms

During your period of employment, either you or your employer may want to make changes to your contract. These changes should be agreed on by both of you. If your employer forces any changes upon you that you don’t agree with, then they might be breaching your contract, and you might be entitled to pursue legal action. If that is the case, then you can turn to one of our dedicated specialists for advice.

Disciplinary and grievance hearings

When you feel that disciplinary action taken against you is wrong or unfair, you should be allowed the opportunity to defend your position via a disciplinary process, which should normally include a disciplinary hearing and an opportunity to appeal any outcome. If you, as an employee, are unhappy and want to raise an issue with your employer, you should have access to a grievance procedure, which ultimately will lead to a grievance hearing. Following the hearing, your employer should communicate their decision, and if you are still discontent, you should normally be allowed the opportunity to appeal, in an attempt to resolve the issues further.

Breaches of contract

A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and your employer. A violation of this contract occurs if either you or your employer breaks one of the terms. If your employer breaches your contract, a good first step is to try and sort out the matter informally. If your employer refuses to rectify the issue and adhere to the contract, you can take a breach of contract claim to a court, where we can advise, assist and represent you.

Bullying and harassment at work

Bullying and harassment at work refers to any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel humiliated, intimidated or degraded in the workplace. This behaviour doesn’t necessarily happen face-to-face – it can take place in any form of communication, including emails and phone calls. Although bullying is not against the law, harassment is, and the victimised employee can take legal action at an employment tribunal. We can protect you from further harassment and help you through the process of raising complaints.

Retirement

Retirement is withdrawing from your position or active working life. There is no legal retirement age, and your employer cannot force you to retire at a particular age. If you are forced to retire early because your role requires a certain level of mental or physical ability, or has an age limit set by another law, your employer must follow a fair procedure. An employer who forces an employee to retire without legal justification can be taken to a tribunal with our assistance.

Your rights should not be hampered by fees

The reason you are hiring an employment law specialist is that you want to protect your career reputation and livelihood, not to mention your fundamental employment right. This is why you should not let fees stop you from seeking help and getting the compensation you deserve.

At Foys, we can alleviate your concerns when it comes to fees. We are happy to explore all possible ways to fund your case, which may include fixed fees, insurance funding, or no win no fee contracts.

We also offer an initial FREE consultation. This gives us a chance to discuss all aspects of your case, answer your questions, assess your options, and advise the best course of action going forward.

Know your employment rights: how employment law can help you

Employment law is an area of law that comprises all elements of employment, ranging from contract grievances and harassment to redundancy and unfair dismissal. This law serves to protect the rights of employees and prevent discrimination in the workplace.

Given the complexity of this law, our expert team of highly-skilled employment advisors can provide proficient legal advice and assistance with taking legal action against your employers and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

After many years of handling employment cases, we understand that no two cases are the same. We aim to support your case from start to finish, ensuring that your interests are protected, and your voice is heard and respected.

Do you need an advisor at an employment tribunal?

Designed to resolve employment disputes between employers and employees, an employment tribunal is often the first avenue you explore when you believe you’ve been unfairly dismissed, discriminated against or been made redundant.

In theory, you don’t need a lawyer to represent you at an employment tribunal, but in practice, 86% of claimants were represented by a lawyer in 2016/17, according to the Ministry of Justice. With your career reputation and your income at stake, having a qualified advisor representing you in the tribunal process can make all the difference.

We understand that the tribunal process can be a stressful time, and promise to assist you with preparing for your case, calling witnesses and attending hearings. It is possible that a tribunal claim may forever alter the relationship between you and your employer. This is why we recommend attempting to conciliate before taking your case to the tribunal. However, if the other party doesn’t want to negotiate, we’re prepared to fight for you.

Foys Solicitors employment specialists are by your side

At Foys, our dedicated team of employment advisors have been helping employees in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for decades with issues they face at work. Contact our experienced team of employment advisors to find out more about our services.

Please note that although we use the word solicitor, your case could be carried out by a legal advisor, legal executive or paralegal depending on the nature of the case.