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

Redundancy consultation processes: Is it ok to score first and consult later?

It is a well-known tenet of Employment Law, that having a genuine and meaningful consultation with affected staff, at a formative stage and prior to any dismissals taking effect, is a cornerstone of a fair redundancy process. In the case of ADP RPO UK Ltd v De Bank Haycocks, the Court of Appeal found that, …
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Keys with conditions: What you need to know about service occupancies

Service occupancies are a common but often misunderstood arrangement, especially for organisations like charities, schools, care providers and religious institutions that offer housing to employees as part of their job. While convenient in many ways, service occupancies carry significant legal complexity, particularly if the employment relationship ends or changes over time. What is a service …
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Creating a ‘Speak Up’ culture in purpose-driven businesses: The benefits of an effective whistleblowing framework

Bates Wells convenes the Impact Counsels’ Forum, a space for senior counsel working within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. The forum discusses the ‘impact angles’ on legal and practical issues faced by in-house legal teams. Recently, the forum explored the benefits of an effective whistleblowing framework and how that can support an …
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Immigration White Paper to reduce net migration – what does this mean for employers?

The government released its White Paper on legal migration entitled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration system’ on 12 May with a wide range of proposed reforms. These include restoring the Skilled Worker minimum skill level to degree level and increasing minimum salaries, restricting permission on the Graduate route to 18 months, raising the Immigration Skills Charge …
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Employee awarded £256,000 in compensation following flawed disciplinary process and accusation of “playing the race card”: Lessons from Ahmed v United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Others

Managing staff complaints, workplace investigations and disciplinary processes fairly and reasonably is crucial for all organisations; not only to ensure a positive workplace culture and good staff morale, but also to minimise legal risk for the business.  Though most organisations will have relevant policies and procedures in place, key considerations to bear in mind are …
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“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