employment and industrial relations
The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented period of legislative activity in the employment law field with the relationship between employer and employee being regulated by law from beginning to end. The rights of individual employees continue to be affected by legislative changes, developments in the courts and the impact of European law.

employment law unit
KJD's employment law unit is a team of specialist lawyers with many years of experience of employment law and practice. Our expertise arises from a sound and detailed knowledge of the law coupled with extensive practical experience from acting for employers and employees in all areas of business ranging from manufacturing and service industries to retail and public sector services.

The unit has established strong links with local Chambers of Commerce and trade organisations. This has enabled the unit to develop a regular seminar and training programme on employment law and related issues which is unrivalled in the area.

The unit has been ranked as joint first outside the Birmingham area in the Legal 500 (2000 edition) for the fourth successive year for the provision of employment advice and representation.

All the unit’s lawyers are members of the Employment Lawyers Association which actively lobbies Government departments and participates in Government consultation regarding the drafting, development and implementation of new employment legislation and practice.

commercial approach
Employment and industrial relations work requires not only a thorough working knowledge of the law but also a particular sensitivity to the commercial interests of employers and the concerns and expectations of employees. The unit always seeks to be sensitive to the needs of the environment in which clients operate in order to find solutions which provide the most appropriate practical results and are cost effective.

It is our aim to act as the client’s informed business partner in guiding them through the complexities of employment law by offering an understanding of the wider commercial implications and the ability to negotiate effectively which are vital for a successful result.

The unit offers advice on the full range of employment issues in both non-contentious and contentious matters including:-

• unfair and wrongful dismissal

• tribunal advocacy

• negotiating compromise agreements and executive settlements including golden handshakes and handcuff agreements

• implementation of redundancy schemes

• discrimination law

• drafting service, consultancy and fixed term contracts

• variation and introduction of contracts

• employee benefits

• seminars and in-house training

• European law

Head of Employment - Peter Gavin
Contact details