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Sectors & services

Sectors

Government sector

Employment in the government sector

employment in the government sector

The government sector is experiencing considerable challenges in the current economic environment and those challenges impact on its employment relationships. Financial constraints with no corresponding reduction in the services to be provided require government sector bodies to be innovative in how they structure themselves to meet those demands. We are experienced government sector lawyers who understand your pressures and the nuances that apply to government sector bodies.

We deliver expert advice to support government sector clients in their evolving roles and objectives, working with our clients to support HR practice and to reduce the likelihood of employment disputes. Where matters overlap with other areas of law – such as governance or procurement issues – our colleagues are on hand to provide support to ensure that a full service is available for our clients. We work with a number of local authorities, fire services and government bodies and are members of a number of panels enabling any UK public body to access our services and experience.

We advise on the whole spectrum of employment issues – from changing terms and conditions to complex discrimination claims, outsourcing of services and union relations. We regularly provide training for our clients, including tailored materials to suit a particular client’s requirements and internal policies and procedures, and updates to help our clients stay on top of a complex and rapidly changing area of law. When an issue arises, our clients can be confident of quick, clear, practical advice that addresses not only the legal issues but also the politics and PR issues associated with many employment matters.

what we do...

Restructures and reorganisations, including advising on the impact of the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc) (Modification) Order 1999.
Advising on the TUPE implications of outsourcing arrangements, including the Principles of Good Employment Practice, the Best Value Authorities Staff Transfers (Pensions) Direction 2007 and Fair Deal.
Dealing with allegations of discrimination, including claims of institutionalised discrimination, and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements, including advising on senior exits, constitutional issues and restrictions on exit payments.
Handling tribunal claims covering the full range of employment issues.

Advising on the nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment such as the Gold Book, the Grey Book and the Green Book.
Advising on the employment implications of alternative service delivery models, including terms and conditions of employment, equal pay, union relations and employee engagement.
Advising on disciplinary procedures, grievances and whistleblowing complaints, including advice to appeal panels on process and procedure.
Advising on the impact of European law on the government sector, for example, holiday pay and allegations of Human Rights breaches.
Providing training, legal updates and HR consultancy services.

what our clients say....

They are strategic in their approach, very tactical and accessible to their clients; they are a pleasure to work with.

Chambers 2017

I wanted to thank you and the whole team for your support. We really appreciate your patience with our lack of knowledge and naivety on how it all works.

what the directories say...

"They are flexible and will adapt their advice and style," notes one client, who also praises the lawyers for being "solutions-driven, knowledgeable and reliable."

Chambers 2021

The firm is very professional and regularly shares useful information.

Chambers 2021

recent experience

Advising a local authority on the exit of a statutory officer. This involved advice from both our employment team and governance team working closely together to ensure that any dismissal was fair from both an employment law and constitutional perspective.
Advising various local authorities on the employment implications of alternative service delivery models. This required employment advice covering a range of issues such as advising on the provision of LGPS membership, equal pay implications, TUPE, changing terms and conditions, union consultation, public relations and employee engagement.
We provide advice to a number of fire services across the country. Recent advice has included advice in respect of payments made to and/or claimed by a principal officer, pension overpayments and recovery of the same, claims of back pay for additional duties, the termination of employment of a principal officer, drafting settlement agreements and the use of covert recordings.
We have advised central government on a number of procurements which has necessitated working closely with colleagues in our procurement team and advising on TUPE including drafting appropriate modifications to framework agreements and additional indemnities required for particular tenders.
We worked closely with a local government client to provide support to a Council member appeal panel hearing in respect of a grievance. The local authority legal team were conflicted from providing this advice internally and we were instructed to attend the appeal hearing on their behalf, advise the member panel on matters of employment law and procedure and prepare a draft outcome reflecting the decision of the panel.