Effective specialist legal advice can make a major contribution to your business, by preventing many potential problems from arising or, if and when they do, by minimising any consequences.
Prevention requires the correct framework of documents, practices and procedures.
Formal recruitment practices, together with properly drafted letters of engagement at the inception of the employment relationship, are essential to ensure that the relationship gets off to a good start. To avoid problems, contracts which cover all of the relevant points to protect the employer as well as detailing the basic terms are also invaluable. In addition, in order to comply with the swelling mass of employment legislation and case law, procedures for dealing with discipline, grievances and other contingencies can avoid costly and time consuming tribunal claims. Developing and maintaining this preventative framework is no small task, but it will pay off, in terms of staff morale, productivity and lower turnover as well as reducing disputes and the risk of penalties. But employment disputes can still arise, and it is essential to have immediate access to advice and representation experienced in the specialist procedures which apply to these disputes, to help make the decision whether to fight or to settle, and whenever fighting to conduct a powerful and effective case.