Everyone deserves to be treated with respect at work and you have important legal rights that your employer is not allowed to ignore. However, knowing when your employer’s behaviour crosses the line into unlawful is difficult. So, if you are having problems at work or you have been let go, you need advice from a specialist that you can trust to know the law inside out and take action on your behalf.
We have a team of expert employment law solicitors who are on hand to help you achieve a fair outcome to a wide range of workplace-related issues. We are committed to empowering employees, making sure they are aware of their legal rights and helping them restore the balance of power with their employer.
We understand that the prospect of bringing a complaint against your employer is daunting, particularly if they are a large and “sophisticated” organisation. However, we have an excellent track record of helping individuals resolve their employment issues out of court, saving considerable time and stress.
We also advise and represent employees during Employment Tribunal proceedings, ensuring their legal rights are protected and working tirelessly to find a positive solution.
Book an initial consultation with our employment law solicitors in Chatham
To arrange an initial appointment with our employment law solicitors, please give us a call at our offices in Chatham or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.
Stephen & Son Solicitors is incorporated by Hatten Wyatt, meaning you can also access our employment law expertise through local offices in Maidstone, Gravesend, Tenterden, and Tonbridge.
We can also offer meetings by Skype for clients who have to travel extensively or who now live abroad. In exceptional circumstances, home visits can also be arranged.
How our employment law solicitors can help you
We can provide advice whether you need to make a complaint to your employer, you are going through a grievance procedure, you need to take your employer to an Employment Tribunal, or your employer is making a claim against you.
Our expertise covers all aspects of employment law, including:
- Redundancy
- Pay disputes
- Dismissal, including unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal
- Breach of employment contract
- Discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, such as disability, race, age and sex
- Bullying and harassment
- Service agreement disputes
- Grievance and disciplinary procedures
- Settlement Agreements (formerly known as Compromise Agreements)
- Personal injury claims for injuries in the workplace
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Where appropriate, we may recommend methods of ADR such as mediation to help you resolve your employment law issues in a neutral environment. ADR has a strong track record of helping parties come to a settlement constructively, reducing the risk of conflict arising.
Mediation, for example, involves meeting your employer for a meeting or series of meetings to negotiate your issues under the guidance of a qualified mediator. The mediator is not there to judge your case – their role is to guide your discussion and defuse any conflict.
Settlement Agreements
In our experience, employers are usually keen to settle disputes before they reach an Employment Tribunal because of the costs, the disruption to their business and the negative publicity the proceedings could attract. They may therefore offer to enter into a Settlement Agreement with you.
A Settlement Agreement is a legal contract pursuant to which you and your employer will agree to certain terms. Most Settlement Agreements will formally end your employment and your employer may agree to pay you a sum of money. In return they will require you to waive or drop any claims. This means you will not be able to go to an Employment Tribunal after you have signed a Settlement Agreement unless it is invalid.
Settlement Agreements are only valid if you receive independent legal advice. Because of this, your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your legal fees.
Employment Tribunal proceedings
Making an Employment Tribunal claim should always be your last resort. However, we accept that in some cases, it is not possible to settle a matter out of court and an Employment Tribunal is the best course of action. We can provide clear advice about whether starting a claim is the best option for you and rigorously represent you during any proceedings.
Why choose our employment solicitors?
Our employment law team have decades of combined experience helping individuals across Kent find positive solutions to their employment issues.
We have a sympathetic understanding of the stress these issues can cause. Not only is your livelihood and financial security on the line, it is very common for employees to have difficulties with their mental health and sense of self-worth. We want to help you get your career back on track as soon as possible.
We take a personalised approach to our work. We will take the time to get to know you so we can provide advice tailored to achieve your individual goals. We will always set out the law and your options in plain, understandable English so you can make informed decisions about the best way to proceed.
No matter now complex or acrimonious your dispute, we are confident that we can provide the advice and support you need to resolve the matter and move on with your life and career feeling confident and secure.
Get in touch with our employment law solicitors in Chatham
To arrange an initial fixed cost appointment with our employment law solicitors, please give us a call at our offices in Chatham or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.