Employment Frequently Asked Questions
- Dismissal
- Redundancy
- Employment audit
- Training seminars
- Employment contracts
- Employment policies in the workplace
- Industrial tribunal representation
- Trade union rights
- Equal opportunities and pay
- Discrimination
- Maternity rights
- Court advocacy
- Pensions and employee benefits
- TUPE
- Disciplinary issues
- Confidentiality
- Restraint of trade
- Internet protection
- Breach of contract
Q. I am thinking of taking my employer to industrial tribunal? What should I do?
A: The DTI (http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/) and ACAS (http://www.acas.org.uk/) both provide good initial guidance on your rights as an employee together with advice on how to assert these rights. Initially, either of their websites will provide good background reading but following that, expert legal advice is recommended.
Q: As an employer, how can I keep up to date on employment law?
A: We provide regular specialist seminars on all aspects of employment law, as well as expert guidance on all employment issues, from drafting contracts and policies, to workplace problems and tribunal claims. In addition, we offer an annual retainer scheme. Under this, you pay for a set number of hours advice per month at a significant reduction on our normal hourly rates.
Q. Can I receive immediate advice, or, if necessary, out of hours contact with my solicitor?
A. Immediate advice can be given in certain situations. Our fee earners can deal with office e-mails when out of the office via remote access.
Q. I consider that my dismissal from my job was unfair. What should I do?
A. Please contact us to discuss the best way forward. It may be that your claim can be settled by negotiation with your employer without issuing a claim. It is important to remember that if you are to make a claim at the employment tribunal for unfair dismissal, this must be done within 3 months of your dismissal date.
Q. I have been offered redundancy at work. Where can I obtain advice on the best course of action?
A. If you are a member of a Trade Union they may offer initial advice. They will often be involved when there are 20 or more proposed redundancies.
Q. I am confused about my pensions rights. What should I do?
A. Pension rights are a complex and often misunderstood area of employment law. You should initially discuss matters with your employer and/or the pension provider. If you require further advice please contact us.
Q. As an employer, how can I find out more about internet confidentiality and employee/employer's rights?
A. Internet confidentiality is a balancing exercise between employers rights to monitor what their staff are doing during work time and individual employees rights to privacy. The level of justifiable monitoring varies dependant on a number of factors. If you are concerned about this area it is recommended you contact us for advice.
Q. As an employer, where can I find out about the latest procedures for the staff handbook, such as health and safety issues?
A. Bunkers offers a without charge Employment Documentation Audit of your existing company handbook/policies. If additional policies are required, these can be drafted on a fixed fee basis.