What Do Employment Solicitors Do?

If you ever have a problem at work, you will probably head to your line manager or HR manager to resolve it. But what if the issues have gone further than that? Then who do you turn to?

Employment solicitors are there to deal with the most serious work-related issues, from wrongful dismissal to discrimination in the workplace.

What Do Employment Solicitors Do?

If you need to approach an employment law solicitors Stockport, you are undoubtedly dealing with a serious problem at work. It may have reached the point where you must take it to an employment tribunal. Once this level is reached, a specialist employment solicitor is likely the best person to speak to.

A few of the issues employment solicitors can help with are listed below:

• Employment Tribunals

You’ll need to claim a tribunal within three months of the issue happening or when your employment is ending. 

• Wrongful Dismissal

If your employer has broken the terms mentioned in your contract to end your employment, you have been wrongfully dismissed maybe. This may include being fired without a shorter notice period than what was set out in your contract. And if such happens, you should seek legal assistance.

• Unfair Dismissal

Unlike wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal refers to an occasion when you have been let go for reasons that the law considers unjust. It may also occur if your employer has an acceptable reason for sacking you but needs to follow the correct procedure. To claim unfair dismissal, you must have worked consistently for the same company for at least 2 years.

• Constructive Dismissal

If you have resigned from your job unwillingly because of your employer’s conduct, you may have a claim for better dismissal. This is specifically true if your employer has breached your contract of employment. Some contract breaches include harassment, bullying, discrimination, failure to pay due wages, significantly altering a job description at short notice, excessive demotion or discipline, and failure to investigate a complaint or grievance.

• Discrimination at Workplace

It is illegal to discriminate against any person with a protected characteristic. These include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. That means you could need legal representation if you’ve been discriminated against at work because of these aspects.

• Redundancy

There are strict rules about redundancy, so if your employer breaks them, you might need the help of an employment solicitor who could make things right for you. Redundancy can only happen if the business is closing, the building where you work shuts down, your employer needs lesser employees to carry out your work, new technology is introduced that makes your job unnecessary, or your employer needs to cut the costs by reducing some staff numbers.

• Contract Disputes

You might have to end up in a contract dispute with your employer over unfair treatment, an unclear job role, lack of communication or bad work environment, redundance, rise in workload, or restrictive covenants. A Legal representation can help you find a solution that works for you.

• Compromise Agreements

Also known as a settlement agreement, the compromise agreement is a contract between you and your current or former employer who ends your employment. A settlement agreement will usually provide a one-off payment. In return, the agreement will declare that you cannot pursue any grievance or claim against the company at an employment tribunal. You will need a piece of independent legal advice from an employment solicitor to validate these agreements.

• Bullying and Harassment

The law sees workplace harassment as unwanted behaviour that causes alarm or distress. Many cases are related to a person’s age, gender, race, religion or beliefs and sexual orientation. If you ever suffer unwanted behaviour directed at you just because you are pregnant, raising a child, or because of your marital status, this can also be considered harassment. If you’re experiencing bullying and harassment at the workplace, you may need the services of a specialist employment solicitor.

• How Do Employment Solicitors Help?

Just as you’re an expert in your job, employment solicitors are experts in theirs. They know the law and when it’s been broken. And they can help you when this is the case.

You’ll know when something doesn’t feel right at work. If you can not speak to your employer about a concern – whether because they’re responsible for it or you fear repercussions – then going to an employment solicitor might be the best course of action.

They’ll be able to advise you on whether you should pursue legal action against your employer. And if this is indeed the next step, the right employment solicitors will give you the best chance at securing the outcome you want