Are you looking for legal assistance with an employment law issue? You’ve come to the right place. Chadwick Lawrence are the specialists in employment law. And, when it comes to standing up for your employment rights, we’re in your corner.
Many employment problems or disputes can be resolved informally, but not always. Which is why you need to know what your employment rights are, and how to achieve the best result.
Our employee law services specialists are a team of experienced solicitors who offer a personal, and professional service, with pragmatic legal advice on all areas of employment law, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome.
They also understand the devastating impact an Employment Dispute can have on your everyday life, and are here to guide you through it, and help resolve it as quickly as possible.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you today.
On a personal note, I just want to say thank you. I know it’s a paid for service we get from you, but there is much more to it than that. I really do appreciate the help, service and to be honest straight forward approach in dealing with these types of things and the relationship that has been built. It really is good to have someone at the other end of the phone on these types of things. Thank you for this, and the continued level of support you provided. We always have high expectations, and to be honest, you have never let us down. Thank you.
Nick Fox, Nochex
On a personal note, I just want to say thank you. I know it’s a paid for service we get from you, but there is much more to it than that. I really do appreciate the help, service and to be honest straight forward approach in dealing with these types of things and the relationship…
Thanks Daniel. Keep up the good work with the videos – I’m running my business with the advice you are giving very much in the forefront of my mind.
The biggest problem is the grey areas in the statements released by the government can be read in multiple different ways, throwing confusion on to the shop floor. Everyone is then wanting answers from the management team who have seen the very same statement. Your videos help summarise and cut through the grey.
Fabrication Company, April 2020
Thanks Daniel. Keep up the good work with the videos – I’m running my business with the advice you are giving very much in the forefront of my mind. The biggest problem is the grey areas in the statements released by the government can be read in multiple different ways, throwing confusion on to the…
I just wanted to say a big thank you for your support in the last week, its been a difficult time for everyone! You have really helped us with trying to sort this out and keep the business going.
Mr M, April 2020
I just wanted to say a big thank you for your support in the last week, its been a difficult time for everyone! You have really helped us with trying to sort this out and keep the business going.
I’ve been watching your videos and would like to thank you for this wonderful way of keeping us informed in this crisis where changes are being made so quickly.
Anonymous, April 2020
I’ve been watching your videos and would like to thank you for this wonderful way of keeping us informed in this crisis where changes are being made so quickly.
Thanks to everyone at Chadwick Lawrence whom are offering great advice during these difficult times. I find the video posts particularly helpful as it’s so much easier than reading document after document.
Anonymous, March 2020
Thanks to everyone at Chadwick Lawrence whom are offering great advice during these difficult times. I find the video posts particularly helpful as it’s so much easier than reading document after document.
We are an established business that has always handled its HR and Employment issues internally and without any professional help. We did ok, we got by. However, the business was expanding and we soon realised we needed professional help. We had already been dealing with Chadwick Lawrence on employment law issues where we received excellent service and advice (thank you Sarah), but we soon found that the general day to day HR issues and management was also getting too much, so we subscribed to their Virtual HR/BoxHR package. The service, advice and support we received was all excellent from both Lisa and Lynda. Based on my experience I have no hesitation in recommending Chadwick Lawrence for anyone looking to outsource their HR function.
Kenny Cox (Commercial Director) – Live & Breathe
We are an established business that has always handled its HR and Employment issues internally and without any professional help. We did ok, we got by. However, the business was expanding and we soon realised we needed professional help. We had already been dealing with Chadwick Lawrence on employment law issues where we received excellent…
We have been involved with Chadwick Lawrence for many years and have used many of their specialised legal Departments. Over the last few years we have subscribed to their Employment Law Scheme and used it to great effect.
Earlier this year they represented us in case involving one of our employees and the Chadwick Lawrence Associate who handled the case was Jack Oldroyd, who was excellent in all aspects of the work that was required to be undertaken. His attitude to us as clients and his attention to detail was first class.
We would certainly recommend the company for any legal work and we will continue to use them ourselves.
Peter Pemberton, Planet Platforms Ltd
We have been involved with Chadwick Lawrence for many years and have used many of their specialised legal Departments. Over the last few years we have subscribed to their Employment Law Scheme and used it to great effect. Earlier this year they represented us in case involving one of our employees and the Chadwick Lawrence…
Chadwick Lawrence and Jack Oldroyd are at present dealing with an ongoing employment matter which has resulted in us having to attend several tribunal hearings. During this process we have been provided with a highly professional and informed service.
Jack has ensured that all matters arising in the lead up to and during these tribunals have been dealt with in a correct and efficient manner; this service has been supported by our barrister who was also recommended by Chadwick Lawrence. I would have no qualms in recommending their services to anyone.
Mark Peacock, The ACE Group
Chadwick Lawrence and Jack Oldroyd are at present dealing with an ongoing employment matter which has resulted in us having to attend several tribunal hearings. During this process we have been provided with a highly professional and informed service. Jack has ensured that all matters arising in the lead up to and during these tribunals…
The Vikings have worked with Chadwick Lawrence for a number of years, handling a variety of issues. We have always found their advice and support to be of the highest standard and they have been invaluable in resolving a number of matters. In particular their accessibility and speed of response is to be commended and you are always made to feel that your situation is at the top of their agenda. I would have no hesitation in recommending their array of professional services.
James Rule, Widnes Vikings
The Vikings have worked with Chadwick Lawrence for a number of years, handling a variety of issues. We have always found their advice and support to be of the highest standard and they have been invaluable in resolving a number of matters. In particular their accessibility and speed of response is to be commended and you…
Theatre Royal Wakefield is a charity committed to outstanding work in all we do, including in our HR practices. We have found the Chadwick Lawrence team provides comprehensive employment support. They give prompt and efficient responses, with advice tailored to our organisation’s business and challenges. The Theatre would whole-heatedly recommended Box HR to other companies.
Katie Town, Theatre Royal Wakefield
Theatre Royal Wakefield is a charity committed to outstanding work in all we do, including in our HR practices. We have found the Chadwick Lawrence team provides comprehensive employment support. They give prompt and efficient responses, with advice tailored to our organisation’s business and challenges. The Theatre would whole-heatedly recommended Box HR to other companies.
As a social enterprise Spectrum has subscribed to Box HR and would not hesitate to recommend this to other businesses as it has been invaluable to ours. Our advisors have adapted their advice to appreciate the specialist nature of our services, our employees and our business and we are delighted with the support we receive. Any advice is received a timely manner, supporting us to manage our staff and business in line with best practice and employment legislation
Alison Charlton, Spectrum Community Health CIC
As a social enterprise Spectrum has subscribed to Box HR and would not hesitate to recommend this to other businesses as it has been invaluable to ours. Our advisors have adapted their advice to appreciate the specialist nature of our services, our employees and our business and we are delighted with the support we receive. …
I have worked with the team at Chadwick Lawrence for a number of years as the business has grown and diversified. Following a merger which has increased the size of the business considerably, the Firm has supported us with a significant consolidation and integration exercise. Having a dedicated solicitor to advise us is invaluable, and it is great to know that any question or query I have will be responded to promptly, professionally and with our objectives and goals at the heart of the advice.
Samantha Horn, Property Information Exchange Limited
I have worked with the team at Chadwick Lawrence for a number of years as the business has grown and diversified. Following a merger which has increased the size of the business considerably, the Firm has supported us with a significant consolidation and integration exercise. Having a dedicated solicitor to advise us is invaluable, and…
Premier Vanguard continues to subscribe to Box HR and are extremely pleased with the service received to date. The key factor in the service is direct access to a specialist employment lawyer who now knows a lot about our business and particularly how we operate. We have found this enables us to receive no nonsense advice which is straight to the point and allows us to move matters on quickly and effectively. The training has also been of particular benefit to Premier Vanguard.
Dominic De Luca, Premier Vanguard
Premier Vanguard continues to subscribe to Box HR and are extremely pleased with the service received to date. The key factor in the service is direct access to a specialist employment lawyer who now knows a lot about our business and particularly how we operate. We have found this enables us to receive no nonsense…
I have relied on Daniel Krigers employment law expertise for several years, and have the utmost confidence in him as one of the leading employment lawyers in the North of England. Daniel, and the rest of the team at Chadwick Lawrence take time to understand our business needs and provide clear, user-friendly advice on many aspects of employment law, including complex TUPE situations.
The service we receive is of the highest standard and competitively priced. Their attention to detail and responsiveness exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend the team at Chadwick Lawrence to any business seeking legal support.
Rachel Law, PossAbilities CIC
I have relied on Daniel Krigers employment law expertise for several years, and have the utmost confidence in him as one of the leading employment lawyers in the North of England. Daniel, and the rest of the team at Chadwick Lawrence take time to understand our business needs and provide clear, user-friendly advice on many…
We have been really impressed with Chadwick Lawrence. Both Daniel Krigers and Holly Butterworth have been fast, friendly, easy to talk to, extremely thorough and value for money. Their expertise and support have been is second to none. I would highly recommend their services and will continue to use them as our business expands
Jennifer Jackson, Marlowe PLC
We have been really impressed with Chadwick Lawrence. Both Daniel Krigers and Holly Butterworth have been fast, friendly, easy to talk to, extremely thorough and value for money. Their expertise and support have been is second to none. I would highly recommend their services and will continue to use them as our business expands
We applied training to all of the company’s managers who not only gained more than they expected but found useful tools to assist individual and team performance. We would highly recommend the scheme to other businesses at any time.
Phil Bottomley, Major Recruitment Limited
We applied training to all of the company’s managers who not only gained more than they expected but found useful tools to assist individual and team performance. We would highly recommend the scheme to other businesses at any time.
Chadwick Lawrence has proven to be one of my shrewdest signings! They have delivered an outstanding service and that’s why I let Chadwick Lawrence tackle our HR and Health & Safety
Gary Hetherington, Leeds Rugby Limited
Chadwick Lawrence has proven to be one of my shrewdest signings! They have delivered an outstanding service and that’s why I let Chadwick Lawrence tackle our HR and Health & Safety
Kutchenhaus are a repeat subscriber to the employment scheme and we faced our first Employment Tribunal claim in a number of years in late 2013. Having followed the advice given as part of the subscription service, we felt confident in our defence. The claims were ultimately dismissed and our legal fees were covered under the policy which accompanies the scheme. The seamless approach and the knowledge and skills of our advisors is a significant benefit to us.
Sue Cobb, Kutchenhaus Limited
Kutchenhaus are a repeat subscriber to the employment scheme and we faced our first Employment Tribunal claim in a number of years in late 2013. Having followed the advice given as part of the subscription service, we felt confident in our defence. The claims were ultimately dismissed and our legal fees were covered under the…
Your support is very much appreciated; just think you are like the 4th emergency service. Feel very safe knowing that our legal matters are looked after by the pros.
Ann Hough, Huddersfield Town FC
Your support is very much appreciated; just think you are like the 4th emergency service. Feel very safe knowing that our legal matters are looked after by the pros.
We have partnered Chadwick Lawrence exclusively since 2008 and have truly benefited from having a specialist team acting as a strong guide through the ever changing maze of legal matters and beyond.
For us, having a team of dedicated specialists who have been able to advise and assist us a large local employer has been a key priority, and something we have retained in spite of huge budget cuts and a funding crisis.
They have devoted time and interest to the college and truly understand our mission, they understand us. They are of course privy to highly confidential information, and would be consulted on to identify solutions relating to staff, often this can be in an emergency situation. Their response to crisis is always measured, methodical and solution focused.
In short, the company and the team that lead the provision are an example of excellence.
Debra Todd, Greenhead College
We have partnered Chadwick Lawrence exclusively since 2008 and have truly benefited from having a specialist team acting as a strong guide through the ever changing maze of legal matters and beyond. For us, having a team of dedicated specialists who have been able to advise and assist us a large local employer has been…
We are very pleased with the Box HR service to date. It makes a refreshing change to receive advice on complex matters such as employment law which is straight to the point and delivered with confidence and authority. It is clear that specialist employment lawyers are equipped to put their neck on the line, rather than sitting on the fence as we have often experienced in the past with legal matters.
Richard Turner, Fantastak Limited
We are very pleased with the Box HR service to date. It makes a refreshing change to receive advice on complex matters such as employment law which is straight to the point and delivered with confidence and authority. It is clear that specialist employment lawyers are equipped to put their neck on the line, rather…
The team at Chadwick Lawrence provides comprehensive, consultative support to our existing HR department which is focussed on our needs, objectives, and the commercial context to the issues we face. Their assistance in both day-to-day employment matters and in defending litigation has been invaluable to the growth and continued success of the business.
Ian Kirkpatrick, European Tyre Enterprise Limited, Kwik-Fit
The team at Chadwick Lawrence provides comprehensive, consultative support to our existing HR department which is focussed on our needs, objectives, and the commercial context to the issues we face. Their assistance in both day-to-day employment matters and in defending litigation has been invaluable to the growth and continued success of the business.
In my career as a HR professional I have worked with a number of companies providing legal support and I must say that Chadwick Lawrence have been by far the best. The advice is not only commercially focussed but robust, practical and clear.
The responsiveness of the Partner I deal with is second to none, I never have to wait long for advice and I feel confident and reassured knowing that I can run something past them and it is legally sound. The team are true professionals and I look forward to our continued work with them.
Nicola Wright, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
In my career as a HR professional I have worked with a number of companies providing legal support and I must say that Chadwick Lawrence have been by far the best. The advice is not only commercially focussed but robust, practical and clear. The responsiveness of the Partner I deal with is second to none,…
Cutwel were the first subscribers to the employment scheme and, since that time, our trusted advisors have come to understand all aspects of our business. We cannot imagine leaving the scheme given the level of support we receive and the quality of service provided. We encourage all businesses to contact Chadwick Lawrence for all employment law, health and safety, HR and training requirements as their whole service is essential to the fast pace of business life and full protection is vital to survival.
Mary Hawksworth, Cutwel Limited
Cutwel were the first subscribers to the employment scheme and, since that time, our trusted advisors have come to understand all aspects of our business. We cannot imagine leaving the scheme given the level of support we receive and the quality of service provided. We encourage all businesses to contact Chadwick Lawrence for all employment…
We used Chadwick Lawrence’s employment services prior to them introducing Box HR but we subscribed to the scheme in the first year and have had no hesitation in renewing for a number years. The specialist solicitor allocated to Crossway Scaffolding is always on hand to provide us with advice and specifically to guide us through complex employment matters such as disciplinaries when they occur from time to time. Ongoing assistance such as this is invaluable to busy managers and gives them confidence to progress complex matters to an effective conclusion.
Steve Fearnehough, Crossway Scaffolding
We used Chadwick Lawrence’s employment services prior to them introducing Box HR but we subscribed to the scheme in the first year and have had no hesitation in renewing for a number years. The specialist solicitor allocated to Crossway Scaffolding is always on hand to provide us with advice and specifically to guide us through…
The Community of the Resurrection has become busier in recent years, and without a dedicated HR department the complexities of staffing and HR issues have grown. We have worked with Chadwick Lawrence for 18 months and already their team have guided us through a number of unusual situations! From reviewing our procedures and documentation, to giving advice on training, management techniques and best practice – the support is always prompt, clearly set out and thorough. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any organisation, large or small.
Adele Hannah, Community of the Resurrection
The Community of the Resurrection has become busier in recent years, and without a dedicated HR department the complexities of staffing and HR issues have grown. We have worked with Chadwick Lawrence for 18 months and already their team have guided us through a number of unusual situations! From reviewing our procedures and documentation, to…
A professional firm who deliver a first class, speedy service and are a pleasure to work. Joining the Box HR scheme has proved to be invaluable to our business.
Sarah Roscoe, Cerberus Group
A professional firm who deliver a first class, speedy service and are a pleasure to work. Joining the Box HR scheme has proved to be invaluable to our business.
We signed up to Box HR in 2014. The scheme provided comprehensive consultative support to our HR department, assisting in updating staff policies, handbooks and contracts of employment, to name but a few. The workshops that were included during this period were both informative and helpful. We are definitely grateful to Sam Pawson for all his invaluable advice and quick responses to varied and sometimes extraordinary requests over the past months.
We would definitely recommend Box HR to companies who require that extra assistance by an extremely helpful team
June Drury, Caddick Construction
We signed up to Box HR in 2014. The scheme provided comprehensive consultative support to our HR department, assisting in updating staff policies, handbooks and contracts of employment, to name but a few. The workshops that were included during this period were both informative and helpful. We are definitely grateful to Sam Pawson for all…
As an existing client of the Firm in other areas of legal compliance, we engaged Box HR on an ad hoc basis in late 2012. Following a very successful and short lead-in period, we decided to take up subscription to the employment scheme in 2013. Our advisors are always on hand quickly to give us assistance with any employment issues and the peace of mind this offers to us is invaluable. The wider support given by Box HR to the business community through its seminar series is also extremely beneficial to us, as we do not have a dedicated HR department.
Rodney Horton, A. Andrews & Sons (Marbles & Tiles) Limited
As an existing client of the Firm in other areas of legal compliance, we engaged Box HR on an ad hoc basis in late 2012. Following a very successful and short lead-in period, we decided to take up subscription to the employment scheme in 2013. Our advisors are always on hand quickly to give us…
We have worked with Sam Pawson on a variety of employment matters and the advice offered has been clear and concise. He has a good understanding of commercial realities as well as excellent legal knowledge.
We have worked with Sam Pawson on a variety of employment matters and the advice offered has been clear and concise. He has a good understanding of commercial realities as well as excellent legal knowledge.
We have used Peter Harling in the dispute resolution team at Chadwick Lawrence for advice on a number of occasions and also to assist in the recovery of debt through the courts. He has provided clear and helpful guidance in a timely manner, assisting us through the process to a satisfactory conclusion.
European Tyre Enterprise Ltd
We have used Peter Harling in the dispute resolution team at Chadwick Lawrence for advice on a number of occasions and also to assist in the recovery of debt through the courts. He has provided clear and helpful guidance in a timely manner, assisting us through the process to a satisfactory conclusion.
Thank you so much for your help and response. Its very clear what needs to happen next and you have answered all future questions and concerns.
Brilliant service. Thank you so much.
Airhop Limited
Thank you so much for your help and response. Its very clear what needs to happen next and you have answered all future questions and concerns. Brilliant service. Thank you so much.
Pregnant employees are protected under the Equality Act 2010. Under the Act, you cannot be treated less favorably on the grounds of being pregnant.
This means that if your employer is denying you career progression because of your pregnancy, you can bring a claim against them for pregnancy discrimination. If you feel like you have to resign because of discrimination, you may also be able to claim, ‘constructive dismissal’.
If you feel as though you are being denied career progression because of pregnancy, you should keep a record of any relevant events, evidence or potential witnesses. You can then raise the problem, either informally or through your employer’s formal grievance procedure. If internal resolution does not work, you can make a claim to an employment tribunal.
Before you decide to take your employer to an employment tribunal, or to resign from your job because you feel you have been discriminated against, you should seek legal advice. There are set time frames for bringing a claim to Tribunal and specific rules about what qualifies as ‘constructive dismissal’ which a solicitor can advise you of.
If an Employment Tribunal finds that you have been discriminated against by your employer, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Compensation in discrimination claims is ‘uncapped’, which means that there is no statutory maximum for the amount that you can be awarded. Financial compensation may cover:
• Financial loss which has been incurred at the time of tribunal, or in the future e.g. compensation for loss of earnings if you lost your job as a result of discrimination.
• Injury to feelings, regardless of whether you suffered financial loss, for the hurt suffered from the discrimination.
• Compensation for personal injury if you have suffered an injury as a result of discrimination e.g. an employee developing PTSD as a result of discrimination.
• A ‘statutory uplift’ – a compensatory increase in the award if an employer failed to follow the ACAS Code of Practice (between 10 and 25%).
As well as providing financial compensation, an Employment Tribunal may order an alternative remedy, such as making recommendations or ordering your employer to reinstate you.
If you think you have been fired for something you didn’t do, you can challenge your employer’s decision. You can do this in one of two ways:
1. Appealing through your employer’s appeal process.
2. Making a claim to employment tribunal for ‘unfair dismissal’
If you make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must have worked for your employer for more than two years and you must be classed as an Employee. You must also commence ACAS Early Conciliation within three months less one day of your dismissal which stops the clock on your limitation. Thereafter, you will have at least one month after ACAS Early Conciliation has completed to issue a claim.
If you do believe that you have been unfairly dismissed for something that you didn’t do, speak to an advisor.
If the harassment is related to a protected characteristic, you could claim harassment at an Employment Tribunal. There is no statutory limit on payouts for harassment claims.
Making a complaint about harassment is a “protected act”.This means that if you are treated negatively because you complained about harassment, you could be deemed to be “suffering a detriment”. If you think that you have suffered a detriment as a result of a protected act, you could potentially have a claim for victimisation.
If you feel that you have been effectively forced to resign because you have suffered harassment or victimisation at work, you may also be able to claim constructive dismissal.
However, there are specific limitations on claims that you can make for harassment, victimisation and constructive dismissal. If you do experience harassment and your employer fails to act on it, you should engage with a legal advisor to advise you on your options.
If you feel confident, you can first raise the issue with the staff member who you think has bullied you. Explain to them what they did, and how it made you feel. If you don’t feel confident enough to do this by yourself, you could speak to someone else at work, or to a union representative.
If they do not accept how their behavior has made you feel, they continue with their behavior, or if you do not feel confident enough to raise the issue directly with them, you should raise their behavior with your manager or a member of HR and see if you can resolve the issue informally.
If you cannot resolve the issue, or the bullying is too severe to be resolved informally, you should refer to your employer’s grievance procedure.
If your employer does not handle the grievance effectively, you have the right to appeal. If, after the appeal, they still do not take steps to prevent you from being bullied by the senior staff member, you may be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal.
You cannot make a claim directly for “bullying” on its own. However, if you feel that you have no other choice but to resign because of the bullying, you may be able to claim ‘constructive dismissal’. There are strict limitations on claiming constructive dismissal, so if this is something that you are considering doing, you should speak to a legal advisor.
If the bullying is connected to a protected characteristic, such as race or gender, you may be able to make a claim for harassment. As with a constructive dismissal claim, there are strict time constraints to making a harassment claim, so you should consult a legal advisor.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled employees.
What is a “reasonable” depends on each individual situation. It depends on if the adjustment is practical, if it is affordable, if it could harm the health and safety of others and if it will actually reduce or remove the disadvantage.
If your employer fails to make reasonable adjustments, you could potentially claim disability discrimination for “failure to make reasonable adjustments”.
Take a look at your employment Contract and Company Handbook. If your Contract or Handbook stipulates that your employer is required to reimburse you for expenses, and they refuse, this amounts to a breach of contract.
At this point, engage with a legal advisor. They can advise you on your next steps. You could potentially claim Constructive Dismissal if the failure to pay expenses is classes as a “fundamental” breach of contract and effectively forces you to resign. They could also advise you on potential breach of contract claims, either at an Employment Tribunal or at a civil court.
First, exhaust your Employer’s grievance procedure. Depending on the severity of the accusation, you may first pursue the grievance informally, or through a formal grievance procedure.
If your employer fails to take your grievance seriously or to take appropriate action, and you have appealed their decision to no avail, you may have grounds to claim Constructive Dismissal.
If the harassment is related to a protected characteristic, you could claim harassment at an Employment Tribunal. There is no statutory limit on payouts for harassment claims.
Making a complaint about harassment is a “protected act”. This means that if you are treated negatively because you complained about harassment, you could be deemed to be “suffering a detriment”. If you think that you have suffered a detriment as a result of a protected act, you could potentially have a claim for victimisation.
If you feel that you have been effectively forced to resign because you have suffered harassment or victimisation at work, you may also be able to claim constructive dismissal.
However, there are specific limitations on claims that you can make for harassment, victimisation and constructive dismissal. If you do experience harassment and your employer fails to act on it, you should engage with a legal advisor to advise you on your options.