Employment Law for Employees

The past decade has seen seismic changes in the world of work. On the one hand we have greater emphasis being placed on the health and rights of employees in a workplace, from ensuring a positive work-life balance to anti-bullying and equality. On the other we have the introduction of zero-hours contracts, the gig economy and a reduction of the right to bring claims for unfair dismissal.

In this ever-changing landscape it is of huge importance that employees have access to quality advice on their rights, to ensure that those rights are not being infringed.

Our highly experienced, specialist employment lawyers have detailed, up-to-date knowledge of this area of law, allowing us to support and advise employees of all levels, including many local CEOs and executives, as well as those further afield. This includes:

  • reviewing and negotiating employment contracts
  • providing assistance in raising a grievance with your employer
  • advising on redundancy or dismissal

Our dedicated employment lawyers frequently carry out an independent review of employment contracts for senior executives, directors and employees across the board. This is particularly important where there are complex performance-related bonus calculations or share incentive schemes, and you do not wish to be left exposed.

A workplace grievance might relate to:

  • discrimination, based on sex, race, age, disability or religion
  • sexual harassment
  • inequality of pay
  • bullying or unacceptable working practices
  • failure to observe your contractual or statutory rights

Every case is different, so if you believe that you have a legitimate grievance against your employer then you should get in touch with our employment lawyers as soon as possible.

Employers must follow strict procedures when dismissing an employee or making someone redundant. If they fail to do so then you may well have a legitimate claim for unfair dismissal. This is often a highly charged situation and it’s vital you seek practical, strategic legal advice as soon as possible.

Woodfords has a great deal of experience in representing employees in employment tribunal claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal and will guide you through what can often be a complicated and distressing process in order to achieve a satisfactory outcome for you.

We can also offer advice on redundancy packages offered by employers to ensure that your contractual and statutory rights are complied with.

If you have been offered a settlement agreement as part of your severance package, it is essential that you take independent advice from an employment law solicitor. You may also benefit from our input in negotiations regarding your final package.

Contact the team

Recent work undertaken

  • Representing two employees bringing whistleblowing and unfair dismissal claims in the Employment Tribunal against a global engineering company
  • Advising a senior employee of a major bank on his severance package
  • Advising an employee on the enforceability of restrictive covenants in his contract of employment
  • Acting for a former employee of a major construction company in pursuing a claim for race and disability discrimination, wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal

What it will cost

We are happy to have an initial discussion over the phone regarding international matters free of charge. After that we will charge a consultation fee if a meeting is required. During this we will endeavour to provide a fixed price quotation for our services and clear guidance on any further costs. The consultation fee will usually be deducted from the overall legal costs.

Our Fees

What our clients say

“In February 2018, I found myself requiring urgent legal advice for an employment matter. Having had a good experience with Woodfords who acted on behalf of my late aunt I contacted them again and was connected with their employment specialist immediately.”

“I cannot recommend Woodfords highly enough – experts in their field but with a very human touch which is invaluable when dealing with challenging or stressful situations. Despite living in a different city, they will be top of my list for any future assistance.”