The relationship between a business and its employees has become increasingly complex and highly regulated, and most businesses need regular help in navigating their way through what can be a minefield.  The process needs to be viewed as an integral part of the administration of the business, rather than as a series of confrontations with the odds stacked against the employer.

We can assist you with the following:

Redundancies

Where you are considering laying off employees we can assist you with the entire redundancy process from the decision to make redundancies through consultation leading up to the dismissal of employees by way of redundancy.  We can also help employees where there are one-off situations for redundancy and discussions that need to take place with the relevant employee. 

From the 1 October 2009 the statutory limit on a week's pay used to calculate redundancy pay and the basic award for unfair dismissal has risen from £350 to £380 per week.  No further increase is planned now until February 2011.  The maximum statutory redundancy pay is therefore £11,400.

Terminations and Compromise Agreements

We can assist you in finalising terms with outgoing employees where there are situations that require the protection of both parties' interests by way of a Compromise Agreement.  We can also draft suitable Compromise Agreements once agreement has been reached between you and the employee.

Disciplinary, Dismissal and Grievance procedures

As from the 6 April 2009 the Statutory Disciplinary, Dismissal and Grievance Procedures introduced in 2004 were repealed.  Any claims brought on or after the 6 April 2009 will be subject to the ACAS revised Code of Practice instead.  This Code is not legally binding but adherence to it may be taken into account by a Tribunal and the Tribunals will have discretion to adjust awards by up to 25% where an employer unreasonably fails to follow the Code.  We can assist you in ensuring that your procedures are kept up to date with any legislative changes as well as assisting you in the implementation of those policies so as to ensure that you are treating your employees fairly and in accordance with the Code.

Dismissal

We can assist you in the preparation of suitable letters at each stage of the dismissal process as well as providing advice on conduct that might amount to gross misconduct and thereby warranting summary dismissal.

Contract advice and changes in contractual terms

We can help you in ensuring that all your Terms and Conditions of Employment are kept abreast of any legislative changes as well as your policies and procedures relating among other things to disciplinary and grievance as well as health and safety issues.  We can assist you in advising employees of any changes.

Discrimination

From 1 October 2006 the Age Discrimination Regulations were amended.  The new Regulations impacted upon young and old alike and affects the work environment from recruitment to retirement.  You must be aware of these changes and ensure that your working practices are in no way discriminatory on the basis of age.  Please contact us if you would like further information or advice.

Maternity/Paternity Rights

New legislation came into force in 2008 extending greater rights to mothers and fathers alike.  Employees are now entitled to a full range of benefits (except remuneration) under their Contract of Employment during both Ordinary Maternity Leave and Additional Maternity Leave.  The new Regulations also extend the length of time that may be taken by mothers and fathers and also the removal of a length of service requirement.  The amount of paid maternity leave was also increased from the 5 April 2009.

We can also advise you on the following:

• Service Agreements
• Restrictive covenants
• Equal pay issues
• Allegations or race, sex, age or disability discrimination
• Employment aspects on the transfer of a business
• Working Time Regulations
• Claims for unfair and constructive dismissal

If you are unable to resolve any issues that arise in the workplace with your employees culminating in a claim against you by any disgruntled employee then we are able to assist you with the full range of Tribunal proceedings and proceedings for any Tribunal hearings. 

We offer clear, practical, cost effective advice as we understand and appreciate the business needs of employers.

Every person's circumstances are different and each case has to be viewed on its own merits. 

Here at Buss Murton Law, we have been advising our clients on employment issues for many years. 

We would suggest that in the first instance you contact your nearest Buss Murton Law office to arrange an initial discussion and review with one of our highly qualified solicitors.