Employment law exists to protect every person who’s employed. It clearly states the rights and wrongs about how we’re hired, treated at work, and how our employment can end. Given how much of our lives are spent working, employment law is extensive and constantly evolving to keep up with modern workplace structures (from remote work to zero-hour contracts).
It can feel very isolating when you’re facing problems with your employer. You’ll likely be worried about your income, your reputation, and what’s going to happen next. Taking legal action against an employer is not something people ever expect to do. It’s a daunting task — but that’s why we’re here.
If you’re ready to talk to someone now, contact our employment law team for a one-to-one discussion about your case.
Experienced contentious employment law solicitors on your side
Speaking with an employment lawyer and getting personalised advice for your situation is invaluable. At Friends Legal, our area of expertise is contentious employment law (cases where employees need to take formal action against their employers).
When you instruct our employment law team, we will:
- Give you an honest case assessment
- Explain the tribunal process in plain English, so you know what to expect
- Protect your position at every stage
- Represent you confidently in tribunal proceedings
If you believe you’ve been treated unlawfully at work, you do not have to face your employer alone. We’re here to provide you with expert representation that levels the playing field.
Employment law guidance for employees
Nobody expects to deal with work-related issues, and yet 44% of UK adults have experienced workplace conflict in the last 12 months. When workplace problems cross the line into unlawful treatment, handling the situation internally is rarely enough.
As employment law specialists, we’re on hand to support employees with clear and confidential advice.
Our solicitors regularly act in claims involving:
- Breaches of contract
- Constructive dismissal
- Discrimination and harassment
- Redundancy disputes
- Unfair dismissal
- Unlawful deduction from wages
- Victimisation
- Whistleblowing
If you’re wondering whether your workplace issue warrants a legal claim, our employment team can review what’s happened and provide realistic guidance. The most important thing is that you know exactly where you stand at every stage of the claim.
Time limits in employment claims
Employees should keep in mind that employment law is one of the most time-sensitive areas of the law. For most employment cases, it’s three months minus one day from the date the issue occurred.
If you miss this deadline, it can seriously hinder your legal standing and can even prevent you from bringing a claim forward. Getting advice as early as possible can help you take legal action from a place of strength.
FAQs in Employment Law Cases
Understanding your legal position is crucial when dealing with an employment matter. Some of the common questions we get asked by employees are:
You may have a claim if your employer dismissed you without a fair reason or without following a fair process. Our legal team can check whether your dismissal meets the statutory tests (e.g., employment status and length of service) and advise on your chances of success before the employment tribunal.
If you think you’re experiencing discrimination in the workplace, it’s vital that you don’t ignore it. Discrimination claims can arise when your employer treats you less favourably because of a protected characteristic, such as:
— Age
— Sex
— Disability
— Race
— Religion
— Pregnancy
If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly but aren’t sure whether it crosses the legal threshold, we can advise on whether tribunal action is appropriate.
Constructive dismissal happens when an employer commits a serious breach of contract that leaves you with no reasonable option but to resign. These cases can be complicated and are always evidence-based.
Before deciding to resign, speak to us. Acting too quickly can affect your claim, whereas we can help you carefully plan your next move.
Contentious employment law specialists
It’s not possible to resolve all employment issues informally. If negotiations break down or unlawful treatment from your employer continues, you may need to pursue a formal claim.
We represent many employees in tribunal claims as a result of:
- Allegations of misconduct
- Breach of contract disputes
- Breakdown in the employment relationship
- Discrimination and whistleblowing claims
- Unfair dismissal
Employment tribunal claims can feel intimidating because you’re standing up to your employer in a formal legal setting. Our role is to restore fairness and employer accountability, and to ensure you’re equally prepared and heard.
Do you act for employers?
Our employment law team primarily represents employees; however, we may occasionally assist employers in defending employment tribunal claims.
Why expert employment tribunal advice matters
Employment tribunal cases are governed by strict procedural rules. To protect your position, you need a crystal-clear strategy, strong evidence, and a team that understands the tribunal process inside out.
Instructing an employment law solicitor from Friends Legal can be the difference between your voice being heard and your claim being dismissed.
Speak to our employment lawyers
Employment law covers every stage of the working relationship, from the early moments of recruitment through to dismissal and dispute resolution. If you’re considering bringing an employment tribunal claim, our employment team are here to have a confidential discussion with you.
Every employee’s situation is different, so we’ll listen carefully to the details of your case and outline the appropriate next steps for your circumstances. We’re always transparent about fees and will explain costs from the outset, including any available fixed-fee options.
Get in touch now to speak to our expert employment lawyers.