Employment

We represent both employers and employees, from first query to tribunal.

We manage risk and resolve disputes for employers and employees. We’ve sat on both sides of the table – so we’re better than most at seeing issues from every angle and predicting how each side will act. 

We don’t just apply the letter of the law. We think about the outcome you want, then find the most practical ways to achieve it. We’ve handled many high-profile test cases in the higher courts, both in the UK and Europe. We’re also particularly well-known for working with charities and the public sector.

How we help

If you’re an employer we can help you with everything from day-to-day HR issues through to  tribunal claims and training. Whatever the issue, you can trust us to strike the right balance between protecting your business and staying true to your values.

If you’re an employee we can advise you on everything to do with your work, contract and pay – from workplace disputes and disciplinary issues to discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Explore

Webinar | Right to Work checks are expanding: what employers need to do now | 30 June 2026

It is expected that in Autumn 2026, section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 will expand the scope of UK right to work (RTW) compliance to include various casual and zero-hours workers. Organisations could face potential fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker unless proper checks are completed. In our …
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Gender identity, protected beliefs and single-sex facilities in the workplace: a review of LS v NHS England

The recent influx of Employment Tribunal (“ET”) cases relating to gender identity, protected beliefs, and the use of single-sex facilities in the workplace continues this month; with the case of LS v NHS England (“LS“) (the judgment for which can be found here). This is the fifth ET case in the last six months or …
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Right to Work checks are expanding: what employers need to do now

It is expected that in Autumn 2026, section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 will expand the scope of UK right to work (“RTW”) compliance – beyond the current requirement to carry out RTW checks on employees, to include various casual and zero-hours workers, with potential fines of up to £60,000 …
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Updated EHRC Services Code delivered to Minister for Women and Equalities will shortly be laid before parliament

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) submitted an updated draft of its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations (“Services Code”) to the Minister for Women and Equalities on 13 April 2026. It will shortly be laid before Parliament for 40 days (if approved by the Minister), before coming into force (if …
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Government consultation on proposals to restrict the scope of confidentiality clauses in NDAs

The numerous, and significant, employment law changes contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), are currently in the process of being implemented – with the first tranche coming into force this month, and the remainder being rolled out over the course of the next couple of years. Of those provisions yet to be …
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“The service we receive is efficient, and the team that works directly with us understand our business and the practicalities, enabling them to provide business specific advice.”

Employment, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells are always very responsive to requests for advice, and provide excellent support.”

Employment, Chambers 2026

“I felt that the firm genuinely cared for my well-being and that securing a good outcome was as important to them as it was to me.”

Employment, Chambers 2026

“A very good employment team representing charities and individuals and a broad sector of different firms.”

Employment, Legal 500 2026

“They understand our business really well and are proactive in helping us to find solutions.”

Employment, Chambers 2025

“The team are down to earth, supportive, collaborative, calm and highly professional. They are really great to work with, responsive and are able to translate complex legal scenarios into straight forward guidance.”

Employment, Legal 500 2025

“Their advice is accurate, comprehensive and timely.”

Employment, Chambers 2025

“Customer service is excellent at Bates Wells, they are all very friendly while not compromising on professionalism and expertise. The team always go the extra mile to protect the company and thinking beyond any instructions given.”

Employment, Legal 500 2025

“They are able to handle highly complex matters while explaining them clearly and giving sound advice.”

Employment, Chambers 2025

“Bates Wells are completely committed to winning cases. Their approach is thoughtful, clear and dynamic.”

Employment, Chambers 2024

“I can’t fault the service at Bates Wells. They are very knowledgeable in the gig economy area of law as well as being polite and keeping me updated.”

Employment, Chambers 2024

“Bates Wells provide high expertise and thoughtful, wise advice.”

Employment, Chambers 2024

‘The team has an outstanding reputation for working with charitable organisations. Team members have an in-depth knowledge of employment law and practice, and prepare for cases in a thorough and professional way, with a particular attention to detail.’

Employment, Legal 500 2024

‘I have been very impressed with the team’s breadth of clients and sectors, both nationally and internationally. Their commitment, expertise and knowledge are second to none.’

Employment, Legal 500 2024

‘Very knowledgeable in their sector – provided our charity with much-needed assurance.’

Employment, Legal 500 2024

“Throughout the process they were very caring, they kept us updated, they understood how the case was impacting us mentally and they worked tirelessly to ensure the risks to us were minimised.”

Employment, Chambers 2022

The team were very hard working, diligent, incredibly adaptable and responsive to changing deadlines and work loads/time pressures.

Employment, Legal 500 2022
Meet our team