What are HR policies required by law in the UK?

Health and Safety Policy: Mandatory if your business employs more than five people, outlining procedures to ensure a safe working environment. Disciplinary and Dismissal Policy: Sets out procedures for handling disciplinary issues and the termination of employment contracts fairly and consistently. Grievance Policy: Provides a framework for employees to raise concerns or complaints about their work, ensuring they are addressed promptly and fairly.

Employment

There are few issues that affect every organisation as much as their employees. When an issue arises, you need quick and clear advice and support to manage not just the legal process, but the politics and PR issues associated with your staffing matters.

Our award-winning employment law team consists of over 50 lawyers, claims handlers and HR professionals. There are few situations we’ve never come across before. Whether you need immediate advice on an emergency in the workplace or a sounding board before you take action, we’re always here to help.

Whether designing bespoke employment contracts and policies for your workforce, supporting you to achieve a smooth staffing restructure, advising on the recruitment of migrant workers or defending a complex discrimination claim, our team of proactive sector-experienced lawyers, claims handlers and HR professionals can help you. We tell you what we would do in your situation – we don’t just give you a list of options.

Our industry leading lawyers act for employers across all of our key sectors.

Employment Tribunal costs

Employment Rights Bill

Employment and pensions for public sector

Employment practices liability claims

Employment services for corporates

Employment services for financial services and insurance

Employment services for healthcare

HR services

HR services for health and social care

HR services for schools and academies

Immigration

Immigration services for healthcare

Race discrimination claim

Working for an emergency services provider on a highly sensitive race discrimination claim, we were prepared to challenge the client on its workplace culture in order to find an appropriate resolution.

In doing this, we displayed fairness, influence and inclusivity to bring the client on side through a difficult process – enabling us to gain their confidence and become a trusted adviser.

Contractual matters during restructuring of fashion retail chain

We advised the founder of a high street fashion retailer that collapsed into administration during the establishment of a joint venture to acquire the business. Our advice helped the individual to secure robust employment conditions regarding their contracted leadership role within the new company.

Hybrid working policies

We’ve supported a large UK regulator on everything from industrial action and employment tribunals, through to hybrid working practices and managing reasonable adjustments.

Our advice extended to a highly sensitive whistleblowing claim in relation to a serious harassment allegation against a senior member of staff.

In rolling out a new hybrid working policy, we considered employee expectations, internal communications, contracts, trade union engagement and reasonable adjustments.

Our role involved identifying workplace trends and potential risks, reviewing internal audit findings to make recommendations, and co-writing the workplace policy and taking ownership to drive it through board approval. This helped to future-proof its workforce strategy and gain buy-in from the wider business.

Senior executive team restructuring at media company

We advised on the restructure of the senior executive team at a digital TV business following its acquisition by another operator.

Our support ensured those leaving the merged organisation departed with dignity while those retained were committed to the future strategy of the merged businesses.

Chambers and Partners 2023

"Browne Jacobson have been able to offer good advice on relatively uncharted territories."

Our employment solicitors specialise in addressing issues critical to every organisation. When a situation arises, you need quick and clear advice and support to navigate not just the legal process but also the politics and PR issues associated with staffing matters.

When selecting an employment lawyer, opt for a professional with a specialised focus on employment law and a strong industry reputation. Assess their trial experience, fee structures, and commitment to values such as transparency and fairness. Look for a legal partner who prioritises clear communication, practical solutions, and a positive client experience.

The cost of legal services offered by our employment law firm varies based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the level of expertise required, and the geographic location. Our fee structures are typically tailored to the specific needs of the company, employing models such as hourly billing or project-based arrangements.

Health and Safety Policy: Mandatory if your business employs more than five people, outlining procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Disciplinary and Dismissal Policy: Sets out procedures for handling disciplinary issues and the termination of employment contracts fairly and consistently.
Grievance Policy: Provides a framework for employees to raise concerns or complaints about their work, ensuring they are addressed promptly and fairly.