Employment Disputes

Every employee has the right to be treated equally and fairly in the workplace. That is not always the way the workplace is and this can give rise to a range of employee complaints from outright bullying through to conduct which make the employee feel they can no longer work comfortably with and for their employer. Conversely, employers have entitled to expect a certain level of behaviour and endeavour from their employees.

We are here to assist in finding the balance between the rights of the employee and the expectations of the employer and to help deal with them when they cease to be aligned. We act for HR professionals, directors and officers, senior executives and in-house lawyers on the operation their day-to-day business, providing considered, commercial and practical advice and guidance tailored to their business.

Our highly skilled lawyers have broad experience in unfair and wrongful dismissal claims, discrimination and whistle blowing claims and breach of contract, particularly dealing with disputes of discretionary matters such as bonuses and share incentives. We fight hard for our clients and the best outcome but are also mindful that sometimes the best outcome is a negotiated one and so are regularly involved in negotiated exits and settlement agreements. For more information on forms of alternative dispute resolution, see Arbitration and Mediation.

We are also highly skilled at disgruntled employee exits and breach of confidence claims where an exiting employee takes important proprietorial information in order to set up and unfairly compete with the former employer. We can also help you with preparing your employee and consultant agreements to minimise the risk of a dispute arising.