Employee Lawyers

Under what circumstances should I seek legal advice?

Perhaps you suspect that you are being bullied by your employer into accepting a situation or a pay-off that is unfair or, having already been dismissed, you are considering taking your employer to an Employment Tribunal.

At OGR Stock Denton Solicitors, one of the most experienced and best employment law solicitors based in Finchley, North London, we have built up an excellent reputation over the years as a firm you can rely on. Those we represent tell us our advice provides much-needed support and that our lawyers inspire total confidence. We are very proud of the feedback we have received from clients confirming that we offer high-quality, down-to earth-advice.

If a problem arises at work, we can advise you on the best way to protect yourself. We have acted in and won cases against many different types of employers, from big institutions to sole traders. We also have a proud record of taking on and winning against large City law firms.

Matters an employment lawyer for employees from our firm is able to assist with include:

• Discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, disability, religion, race, sexual orientation, parental status, and so on.
• Whistleblowing.
• Unfair dismissal.
• Breach of contract.
• Negotiating employment contracts and directors’ service agreements.
• Disciplinary proceedings.
• Raising grievances.
• Bonus disputes.
• Settlement agreements and compensation packages.
• TUPE transfers.
• Redundancy.

Employment Contract reviews and more

As employment solicitors, we can also advise on a range of non-contentious matters, such as assisting with the legal issues associated with employee shareholder arrangements and the terms of contracts.

If you have been offered a new role or are asked to sign an amended contract for your existing job and the document runs to pages and pages with a great deal of small print, it’s always well worth having a legal expert cast their eye over it before you sign it. Some clauses may be unenforceable or even illegal; while others may fail to adequately reflect the benefits that were offered to you when you accepted the job or negotiated your benefits package.

Another concern might be the inclusion of prohibitive restrictive covenants that may well hinder your career in the future if you and your current employer part ways, amicably or otherwise. It would be a mistake to overlook these or consider them unenforceable, as in the future, you could be subject to an injunction and/ or required to pay costly damages if you breach these terms.

Having experienced employment law solicitors review and discuss with you any documentation you are being asked to sign can pay dividends in the future.

How much will it cost to bring a case?

Understandably, you’ll be concerned about the cost of taking legal advice and bringing a claim against your employer, if it comes to that. It’s difficult to put a precise figure on it because every case is different, but as a guide, our fees for tribunal claims in unfair/ wrongful dismissal range from £225 to £335 per hour, depending on the complexity of the matter. The whole process can take around 6 months and include disbursements such as expert witness (£500 to £4,000 plus VAT per day), medical records (£50) and counsel fees (ranging from £125 per hour for a junior barrister to £500 per hour for a QC +VAT).

The total cost will depend on the amount of time incurred and the stage of the matter that is has reached. If the matter proceeds to a full hearing in the Employment Tribunal, the fees are likely to be in the region of £10,000 – £50,000 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the matter. A full costs estimate can be provided once we have all the details of your case.

In addition, disbursements of the nature referred to above may be incurred.

The whole process can take around six months and include disbursements such as expert witness (£500 to £4,000 plus VAT per day), medical records (£50), and counsel fees (ranging from £125 per hour for a junior barrister to £500 per hour for a QC + VAT).

[Please note all VAT is charged at the prevailing rate of 20%]

Key stages of an employment matter

Where you are bringing a claim of unfair dismissal and/or wrongful dismissal up to and including the tribunal hearing, the key stages of work will involve the following:

• Taking initial instructions, considering the paperwork and advising you on the merits of your case, including any likely compensation.
• Engaging in pre-claim conciliation where this is required in order to explore whether a settlement can be reached between the parties.
• Preparing the claim.
• Considering whether a settlement can be reached and if so, negotiating settlement, either by liaising with ACAS or directly with your employer and/or their solicitor.
• Reviewing the employer’s defence and advising you on its merits.
• Preparing or considering a schedule of loss.
• Preparing for and attending a Preliminary Hearing
• Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
• Drafting statements, including taking and agreeing witness statements.
• Attending a hearing (where appropriate).
• Reviewing and advising you on the other party’s witness statements and documentation.
• Agreeing a list of issues and list of those involved.
• Preparing and attending the tribunal hearing. This may include preparing instructions to Counsel and conference with Counsel prior to the hearing.
• Reviewing tribunal decision and agreeing any necessary actions (e.g. whether an appeal is appropriate).

Timescales for your employment matter

Timescales can vary enormously depending on the facts of each matter. The time it takes to bring your matter to a conclusion will be determined largely by the stage at which your case is resolved. This can be a few weeks if agreement is reached during pre-claim conciliation or, if it proceeds to a final hearing, it could take up to a year or more. Timing will also depend on things such as the complexity of your case, the number of days the hearing is listed for, when the case is listed for a hearing and on how quickly the other side responds to requests for information.

Operating for Over 50 Years

Our firm is well-established, having been in operation for over 50 years. Our solicitors are all highly experienced and will do all that they can to ensure your case is dealt with quickly and efficiently. We also promise to keep you fully updated on our progress at every step of the way.

You can find out more about what we do and how we operate on our website at https://ogrstockdenton.com/. Then, to arrange a no-obligation initial chat, free of charge, to discuss your case with one of the most highly trained and experienced employment law solicitors in London at OGR Stock Denton Solicitors, please visit our contact us page or call us on 020 8349 0321. We look forward to hearing from you.

What is the main purpose of employment law?

Employment law is the framework that regulates the relationship between a company’s employers and its employees. This area of the law lays down what employers can legitimately expect from their employees, what an employer can ask their employees to do, and the rights employees have while at work. A solicitor specialising in employment law can help uphold employees’ rights.

What are the benefits of employment law?

The benefits of employment law include ensuring fairness while at work and improving employer-employee relationships. It is the framework that allows employees to build trust in their employer and know they are being treated fairly. As a result, it can help boost productivity. Finally, employment law reflects and takes account of changes in society and its demographics.

How do I find a good employment lawyer?

1. Choose a firm specialising in employment law. You’ll benefit from their expertise and your case will be managed more efficiently.
2. Ask about your lawyer’s experience specifically. They should have a good track record in dealing with cases like yours.
3. Check their fees are compatible with your budget and ask about your chances of winning your case.

When should you contact an employment lawyer?

You might need employment solicitors in London or beyond if:

• Your employer has harassed you, discriminated against you, or has retaliated against you in some respect;
• You have been illegally fired from your job; or
• Your employer is attempting to force you into agreeing to waive your legal rights.

What type of lawyer do I need for work-related issues?

If you have a problem at work and want to take matters further, you need employment law advice from an experienced lawyer who can support and represent you to argue your case if you’re in dispute with your employer, suspect they’ve broken employment law, or you wish to make a claim against them for a breach of duty.

Should I hire an employment lawyer?

Employers may also benefit from hiring employment lawyers to draft documents related to management of and relations with employees, such as employment contracts, policies, and procedures. The best time to do this is before you begin hiring staff, so documentation is in place to manage workplace relationships from the outset.

How do I take legal action against my employer?

1. Discuss the issue amicably, if possible.
2. Review the terms of your contract.
3. Keep detailed notes of all conversations, actions taken, and so on.
4. Decide whether you have a legitimate case.
5. Decide on the outcome you want.
6. Familiarise yourself with the law surrounding your claim.
7. Find an experienced employment lawyer.

For what reasons can you sue your employer?

Under employment law for employees, you can sue your employer if you can make a case that you are:

1. Being treated poorly. You have a right to respect in the workplace.
2. Being discriminated against illegally.
3. Poor management.
4. Not following company policies.
5. Disputes about performance.

Why would you need an employment lawyer?

Both employers and employees may need an employment lawyer to represent them in disputes. One example might be if an employer fires an employee and there is reason to believe the dismissal was unfair. The employer needs specialist legal representation to back up their decision; the employee needs an employment attorney for workers to argue against it.

What questions should I ask an employment lawyer?

Outline the situation to a suitably qualified labour attorney for employees, and then ask:

• In the light of this scenario, what are my rights under employment law?
• What action could I take to resolve this matter?
• How long is bringing a case likely to take?
• How much will it cost to resolve the matter legally?

The purpose of Employment Law

Employment law defines the standards for a fair relationship between businesses and their employees. From hiring staff to carrying out the day-to-day work and terminating employment, the law exists to guarantee fair rights to each individual.

Under employment law, discrimination for reasons of age, race, religion, disability, gender, or sexuality can be challenged; and equality at work promoted. An employment law advocate for employees can argue your case if your rights have been breached.

Life as an Employment Lawyer

Employment lawyers may act for either an employee or the employer. While the law exists to protect both parties and to promote fairness, very often, cases are only brought after the employment contract is terminated.

An employment lawyer, therefore, spends much time advising employers on how to steer clear of situations where a claim might be brought to court. When advising aggrieved employees, the lawyer must aim to negotiate solutions where possible to avoid a breakdown in the employer-employee relationship.

Where cases end up in litigation, lawyers must act speedily and skilfully to resolve matters to the satisfaction of all parties without incurring unwarranted costly and drawn-out claims.

Signs you should hire an employment lawyer

While we all want to avoid unpleasantness and would like to believe our employers are well-disposed towards us, there are times when hiring an employment attorney for employees is in your best interests. These include situations where:

• On starting a new job, your contract is lengthy, complex, and confusing;
• You feel you’re experiencing harassment and your employer isn’t taking it seriously;
• You think your employer is in breach of employment law;
• You’ve been sacked without just cause; or
• You haven’t been given benefits like health insurance, holiday pay, or severance that you’re entitled to under law or in your contract.

Choosing an employment solicitor

Five tips to hire the best employment lawyers for employees include:

1. Ask colleagues or friends for recommendations.
2. Check firms’ websites for more information on their areas of expertise.
3. Meet the solicitor at your chosen firm who’ll handle your case. Establish whether you have a claim; and get a feel for whether you can develop a good working relationship with them.
4. Ask about their success rate.
5. Ascertain their charging scale, when payment is due and whether you can afford to bring a claim.

Reasons to retain an Employment Lawyer

If you’re an employee, remember your employer will typically have access to ongoing legal advice, so don’t feel bad about hiring your own employment legal practitioner for employees if you suspect a violation of employment law.

• Legal advice can help you determine whether there has been a breach of law, helping you put matters in perspective if not.
• Hiring a lawyer can show you mean business, so your employer takes your concerns seriously.
• Don’t wait to be terminated – employment lawyers can often help you resolve any issues satisfactorily before it comes to this.

If you have concerns in the workplace and think your rights under employment law are being breached, come to OGR Stock Denton. We’re experts in employment law in London and will discuss the issues with you and help you determine the best course of action for your situation.