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INFORMATION
FOR EMPLOYERS
Employment law, often EU driven, has become increasingly
complex and many employers find it difficult to keep abreast
of constantly changing legislation. Knight Polson Solicitors
offer specialist advice on all aspects of employment law
whether your staff work in a factory, workshop or office, and
whether you employ hundreds of people or just one or two.
We offer practical and workable solutions to a wide range
of problems, from drafting straightforward contracts of
employment and procedures to advising on contentious issues
such as unfair dismissal or discrimination.
Avoiding recourse to the courts or tribunals is in
everybody's interest, but if necessary we are able to
represent you there.
Why not take advantage of our FREE EMPLOYMENT HEALTH CHECK?
We review your policies and procedures and advise on any areas
requiring attention.
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INFORMATION FOR
EMPLOYEES
Unhappiness at work can be stressful and unpleasant, and if
not resolved quickly may lead to stress at home.
Many employees are unsure of their rights and whether the
action of their employer is legal. When your livelihood is at
stake you owe it to yourself and your family to know where you
stand. Too many people negotiate with their employer in
ignorance.
Most employment claims are resolved by negotiation. If that
fails, claims may be brought to an Employment Tribunal. It is
not necessary to engage a solicitor to present your case, but
to ensure a satisfactory outcome it is sensible to seek the
advice of an experienced employment solicitor at an early
stage. Knight Polson Solicitors can advise you on all aspects
of employment law and represent you if necessary. Forewarned
is to be forearmed!
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DRAFTING
CONTRACTS / PROCEDURES
All employers are required to set out basic terms and
conditions of employment for all employees within a short time
of them commencing employment. This is regardless of the
number of employees that you employ. Failure to set out
certain terms and conditions can, in certain circumstances,
lead to a decision of Automatic Unfair Dismissal. It is
therefore increasingly important to know that your employees
have written contracts of employment and that your policies
and procedures are up to date.
Knight Polson Solicitors can advise and assist with all
your employment related drafting requirements.
Why not take advantage of our FREE EMPLOYMENT HEALTH CHECK?
We review your policies and procedures and advise on any areas
requiring attention.
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COMPROMISE AGREEMENTS
It is possible for an employer and employee to reach an
agreement about the termination of an employee's contract of
employment. This is most common when some sort of dispute or
disagreement has been raised between the parties or in the
event of a redundancy. In these circumstances, a Compromise
Agreement will set out the terms of agreement between the
employer and employee in a legally binding way.
Knight Polson Solicitors can draft legally binding
Compromise Agreements for employers. We are also able to
advise employees who have received a Compromise Agreement from
their employer.
Click here to read more about Compromise Agreements.
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UNFAIR DISMISSAL
"Isn't it right that employees need to have 1 years'
service to claim Unfair Dismissal?" The short answer is
"No".
In some circumstances an employee can claim Unfair
Dismissal without 1 years' service and, in addition, a
dismissal can be Automatically Unfair (i.e. there is no
defence).
As an employer it is therefore crucial that you know the
law in relation to Unfair Dismissal before taking any action
against an employee. Similarly, employees should take prompt
advice after their dismissal to establish any potential
claim(s) they may have before the 3 month deadline expires to
bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal.
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DISCRIMINATION
There are several types of discrimination that can occur in
the workplace including discrimination on the grounds of sex,
race, disability, religion and belief and sexual orientation.
Harassment can also constitute discrimination.
Discrimination laws can be complex and given that unlimited
compensation can be awarded, breaches of the laws can be
costly too. Employers are best advised to have
anti-discrimination policies in place and take advice as soon
as an employee identifies any potential discrimination.
Employees should seek advice as early as possible and as
soon as the discriminatory action has taken place.
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TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE
There are special rules and regulations governing how
claims that are made to an Employment Tribunal are dealt with.
These rules were most recently updated in 2004. It is
important whether you are bringing or defending a claim that
you are aware of the powers that the Employment Tribunal have
which include the power to award costs against either party.
Knight Polson Solicitors can advise on all aspects of bringing
or defending a claim in the Employment Tribunal.
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