Getting employment law advice for employers isn’t just about staying compliant — it’s about protecting your business, supporting your employees, and avoiding costly disputes. This guide gives you clear, practical advice on the most common employment law issues you’re likely to face in the workplace.
Why You Might Need Employment Law Advice
As an employer, you’re legally responsible for ensuring your workplace is fair, safe, and legally compliant. Getting the right employment law advice helps you:
- Draft legally sound employment contracts and written agreements
- Follow correct processes for grievances, dismissals, and restructuring
- Reduce the risk of an employment tribunal claim
- Handle sensitive matters like settlement agreements properly
- Stay up to date with changes in UK employment law
You can access help through employment law solicitors, the UK government’s official website, and free services like Acas, which provide guidance and templates for common situations.
Key Employment Law Matters for UK Employers
1. Employment Contracts and Agreements
Every employee must be given a contract or written statement of particulars on or before their start date. These documents outline working hours, pay, holiday entitlement, notice periods, and more.
Helpful tip:
Review your contracts regularly — especially after changes to pay, hours, or duties. For complex roles, seek independent legal advice to ensure your terms are both fair and enforceable.
2. Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
All employers must have fair procedures for dealing with employment matters such as workplace concerns or misconduct. Your disciplinary process should follow the Acas Code of Practice, which outlines key steps for a lawful and fair approach.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Not following your own written procedure
- Skipping formal meetings
- Failing to give the employee a chance to respond
Checklist: Grievance Procedure
- Let staff raise issues in writing
- Hold a formal meeting
- Provide a written outcome
- Offer an appeal option
- Keep full records throughout the process
3. Redundancy and Restructuring
Making staff redundant can be lawful, but only if you follow the correct employment law procedures. This includes consultation, fair selection, notice, and redundancy pay.
Real-world example:
A company made five employees redundant without proper consultation. One brought an employment tribunal claim — and won. Clear, documented steps and legal advice could’ve saved time and money.
Checklist: Redundancy Process
- Genuine business reason
- Staff consultation
- Fair selection criteria
- Written notice
- Final pay and settlement agreements where needed
4. Discrimination and Equality in the Workplace
Discrimination claims are among the most common at employment tribunals. You must not treat employees unfairly based on protected characteristics like age, gender, race, religion, or disability.
Good practice:
- Provide equality and diversity training
- Use clear, unbiased recruitment processes
- Address concerns promptly and professionally
5. Health and Safety Duties
Your duty as an employer includes ensuring your workplace is safe. This applies across industries and includes risk assessments, staff training, and reasonable adjustments.
Checklist: Health and Safety Compliance
- Risk assessments reviewed regularly
- First aid and fire safety measures in place
- Staff trained and informed
- Issues recorded and actioned
Self-Assessment: Are You Legally Prepared?
Ask yourself the following:
- Do all your staff have up-to-date employment contracts?
- Is your grievance procedure written and accessible?
- Have you received employment law advice on redundancy or restructuring?
- Do you have a process for settlement agreements?
- Are health and safety risk assessments current?
If you answered “no” to two or more, it’s worth seeking legal advice from a qualified solicitor.
Where to Get Employment Law GuidanceAcas
Provides free employment law advice for employers, including templates and helpline support.
Employment Law Solicitors
A professional adviser can help you resolve complex issues, draft bespoke documents, or represent you during a dispute.
Government Website
The government’s official site includes up-to-date legal guidance on contracts, tribunals, redundancy, and more.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be an expert in employment law, but you do need to get the basics right. Taking simple, proactive steps — and getting independent legal advice when needed — helps you protect your business, support your employees, and create a legally sound workplace. If something feels unclear or risky, speak to a solicitor and get peace of mind before problems arise.
FAQs:
Common Questions from Employers
When should I get employment law advice?
Before hiring, updating contracts, planning redundancies, or responding to complaints or claims.
Do I need a written employment contract?
Yes — a written agreement must be given by the employee’s first day. This is a legal requirement in the UK.
What are settlement agreements?
These are legally binding documents that end an employment relationship, usually involving compensation. Always get independent legal advice.
Can I get free advice?
Yes. Acas provides free, impartial help for employers. The government website also has practical resources.
How do I avoid an employment tribunal claim?
Be fair, follow a clear process, document your decisions, and seek advice early.