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

Whistleblowing – A cautionary tale

We recently acted for the Royal College of Nursing assisting them successfully to defend an unfounded whistleblowing claim brought by …
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Webinar | Charities & the use of social media: the blurring of personal and professional lives | 6 May 2025

Navigating the use of social media remains a challenging topic for many charities. Managed properly, a charity’s own social media …
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Asking a female employee why she wants to work can amount to sex harassment: Lessons from A Pereira v Wellington Antiques and Another

In the recent case of A Pereira v Wellington Antiques and Another, the Employment Tribunal looked at the issue of …
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Employment Rights Bill faces criticism in the House of Lords

On 27 March 2025, the Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”) passed its second reading in the House of Lords; after a …
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Increases in employment related statutory pay and compensation limits from 6 April 2025

From 6 April 2025, as is the case each year, the Government will be increasing the level of employment related …
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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