Our employment lawyers are well known for their expertise in employment, discrimination and trade union law. They aim to give practical, concise and effective advice to clients.

We act for employers, employees, employers associations and trade unions. We regard this as a great advantage, enabling us to see all sides of an issue. We are therefore well placed to suggest practical solutions to problems.

avoiding claims

Our experience shows that well drafted contracts, policies and procedures reduce workplace disputes and make it easier and quicker to resolve any disputes that do arise.

contracts, policies and procedures

We provide businesses with standard form employment documentation, tailored to their particular needs.

This can range from a simple package for smaller employers (eg standard terms and conditions of employment, disciplinary rules and procedures, grievance procedure) to comprehensive staff handbooks for larger employers.

It is sensible for all employers to consider acquiring policies and procedures for dealing with areas such as sub-standard performance, equal opportunities, health and safety, computer use, whistleblowing, drugs and alcohol, employee representation, training and development.

Many existing policies and procedures will need to be revised to conform with the Statutory Dispute Resolution Procedures which came into force in October 2004.

employment litigation

We have considerable experience of conducting litigation in the employment tribunals and the civil courts. Most litigation started by employees follows termination of employment, and is intended to enforce statutory rights (eg unfair dismissal) or contractual rights (eg unpaid salary or bonus). Most litigation started by employers is in circumstances where an employee has left to join or set up a competing business, and the employer is attempting to protect his business by actions for breaches of fiduciary duties, obligations of confidence or restrictive covenants.

training and support services

Seminars and training courses are provided for clients on a regular basis. Our lawyers have participated in joint training courses for managers and trade union representatives run by Human Resources in conjunction with their recognised Trade Unions.

Regular newsletters and briefing notes are produced on recent developments in the law.

collective employment law

We have wide experience of dealing with collective employment law, in particular: recognition issues, collective agreements, balloting issues, redundancy consultation, tupe consultation, and industrial action.

Dealing with employees collectively is on the increase.

Compulsory recognition for trade unions means that many smaller employers can, in certain circumstances, be obliged to recognise and negotiate with a trade union whether they wish to or not.

And the recent Information and Consultation Regulations impose obligations on employers to inform and consult with workers collectively on a wide range of issues relating to the employer's business.

other areas of expertise

We cover the whole spectrum of individual and collective employment law. In addition to those areas specifically mentioned above, we also deal with: tupe, contracting out, business transfers, re-organisations, redundancy, pensions, early retirements, executive terminations, compromise agreements, equal pay, restrictive covenants, whistleblowing.

<< John Quigley Rice-Jones & Smiths 7 Ely Place London EC1N 6RY Direct: +44 (0)20 7269 9977 Tel.: +44 (0)20 7831 2506 Email: jq@londonrjs.com