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

People and Workplace round-up | 15 October

Welcome to our round-up of people and workplace updates, hand-picked to help HR teams stay informed about legislative developments. Catch up on: Keep Britain Working: Government update on the new workplace health system On 23 September 2026, the government published Sir Charlie Mayfield’s update on the post-review work of Keep Britain Working. HR leaders should …
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Probation periods are changing: 10 things employers should do now

Effective use of probationary periods has always been important, but until now, if employers got the decision wrong, there was generally up to two years to determine an employee’s suitability for a role before the employee acquired unfair dismissal rights. From 1 January 2027, however, that position will change significantly, with unfair dismissal protection available …
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Is your organisation ready for the imminent re-introduction of employer liability for third-party harassment?

The Employment Rights Act 2025 provision on third-party harassment comes into force on 30 October 2026, making employers liable if a third party harasses an employee at work unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it. This has the potential to be an onerous responsibility for employers. A third party is anyone an …
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Employer FAQs: expanded Right to Work (RtW) checks and extended illegal working civil penalty liability

With the expansion of Right to Work requirements and record levels of Home Office enforcement, immigration compliance must be a priority for employers. This FAQ has been designed to answer common questions, help organisations navigate the evolving rules and ensure their Right to Work processes remain compliant and fit for purpose. Jump to: General 1. …
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When AI becomes a management tool: what are the employment law implications?

AI is fast becoming embedded in day-to-day people management. Employers are experimenting with algorithmic tools to shortlist candidates, score interviews, allocate shifts, forecast demand, monitor productivity, flag performance issues, support redundancy exercises and even trigger investigations and dismissal processes. Whilst in recent years, the adoption and integration of AI has been concentrated in large tech …
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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