Employment Law Solicitors in Chippenham

Struggling with a workplace issue? You’re not alone.

Whether your employer has treated you unfairly or you’re a business owner facing complex HR challenges, our local employment solicitors are here to help.

With over 270 years of legal heritage in Wiltshire, our dedicated employment law solicitors provides clear, practical guidance through even the most complex workplace challenges.

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Employment Law Services

Employment problems can turn your life upside down. From the stress of possible job loss to the anxiety of workplace conflict, these issues hit close to home.

Having a solicitor who understands both the law and our town’s unique employment landscape makes all the difference.

Our employment team is led by Rachel Fereday, a respected specialist with a practical, no-nonsense approach. Rachel has helped hundreds of local employees and businesses resolve workplace disputes effectively.

Employment Services for Employees

Lost your job unfairly? Facing discrimination at work? We’ll fight your corner.

Our team of employment law solicitors regularly helps local employees with:

Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal Claims

If you’ve been sacked unfairly, you might have a claim. We’ve helped employees from across Wiltshire challenge improper dismissals and secure fair compensation.

Whether you work at a major employer or a small local business, we’ll explain your rights and options in plain English.

Workplace Discrimination

Experiencing discrimination because of your age, race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristic? This isn’t just unfair – it’s illegal.

From pregnancy discrimination in retail to disability discrimination in manufacturing, we’ve successfully helped employees assert their rights and secure justice.

Workplace Grievances

When issues can’t be resolved informally, we’ll guide you through raising a formal grievance with your employer.

We’ll help you understand the ACAS Code of Practice and ensure your complaint is taken seriously, whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or technology sectors.

Bullying and Harassment Solutions

No one should feel intimidated or harassed at work. If you’re experiencing bullying, we can help stop it.

Our solicitors handle these sensitive matters discreetly while protecting your position, especially important in close-knit business communities.

Contract Breaches

Has your employer changed your hours, pay, or job duties without permission? We can help.

Quick action is crucial in these cases. Our team will review your employment contract and advise on next steps to protect your rights and secure any compensation due.

Redundancy Support

Redundancies must follow strict procedures. If you’re facing job loss, we’ll ensure your employer plays by the rules.

We’ll review your redundancy package and help you challenge unfair selection if needed – particularly important following recent workforce changes at major local employers.

Settlement Agreements

Been offered a settlement agreement? Don’t sign anything until we’ve reviewed it. This legally binding document typically offers financial compensation in exchange for waiving your right to bring claims.

Our review will explain all terms in plain English and assess whether the financial offer is reasonable. We’ll advise on tax implications and negotiate improvements where appropriate.

Our employment solicitors will fight for the best possible terms, with your employer covering our costs in most cases. Proper review can result in improved financial terms and better protection for your future career.

Employment Law Services for Businesses

Running a business comes with employment challenges. Our practical, commercial advice helps local companies avoid costly tribunal claims.

Employment Contract Drafting

Well-drafted contracts protect your business and clarify expectations for both sides. We create robust, tailored employment contracts that reflect your specific business needs and working practices.

Poor contracts can expose your business to unnecessary risks and disputes down the line. Our solicitors ensure your contracts include appropriate restrictive covenants, confidentiality clauses, and flexibility provisions.

We regularly update existing contracts to reflect changes in employment law and your evolving business requirements. This proactive approach helps prevent costly disputes and maintains compliance with current legislation.

Staff Handbooks and Policies

Comprehensive staff handbooks establish clear workplace standards and procedures. These documents help demonstrate compliance with employment law and create consistency across your organisation.

We develop policies tailored to your specific business, covering everything from disciplinary procedures to flexible working. Our approach balances legal compliance with practical, workable policies that suit your company culture.

Regular policy reviews ensure your business keeps pace with employment law developments. We can update specific policies or conduct a full handbook review to identify potential areas of risk.

Disciplinary and Grievance Support

Handling employee disciplinary issues poorly can lead to costly unfair dismissal claims. We provide step-by-step guidance through the ACAS Code of Practice to ensure your processes are fair and defensible.

From conducting proper investigations to managing hearings and appeals, our team offers practical support at each stage. We can draft correspondence, review evidence, and advise on appropriate sanctions to minimise legal exposure.

Employee grievances require careful handling to prevent escalation and protect workplace relations. Our solicitors help you respond effectively to complaints while maintaining professional relationships and protecting your business interests.

Redundancy Process Management

Redundancies present significant legal risks if not handled correctly. We guide businesses through consultation requirements, selection criteria development, and proper notification procedures.

We help structure fair selection processes that stand up to scrutiny and minimise the risk of tribunal claims. Our team also advises on alternative approaches such as voluntary redundancy or redeployment options.

Communicating difficult decisions compassionately but clearly is essential during redundancies. We help you balance your business needs with legal obligations while maintaining morale among remaining staff.

TUPE Advice and Implementation

Business transfers and service provision changes trigger complex TUPE regulations. We provide clear guidance on your information and consultation obligations to employees affected by transfers.

TUPE protects employees’ terms and conditions when businesses change hands. Our team helps you understand which employees are protected and what restrictions apply to changing their working conditions.

We assist with due diligence before acquisitions and advise on indemnities for employment liabilities. Our practical approach helps you manage risks effectively while meeting your commercial objectives.

Employment Tribunal Representation

If a dispute reaches tribunal stage, strong representation is essential to protect your business. Our experienced solicitors provide robust defence of claims while seeking early resolution where appropriate.

We conduct thorough case preparation, evidence gathering, and witness statement drafting to build your strongest defence. Our team has extensive experience representing employers at preliminary hearings, final hearings, and settlement negotiations.

The best approach is often preventing tribunal claims through proper procedures and early intervention. We work proactively with businesses to identify and address potential issues before they escalate to formal proceedings.

Why Local Knowledge Matters for Employment Issues

The local economy has transformed in recent years, with technology firms, healthcare providers, and manufacturing companies creating a diverse employment market.

Our employment solicitors understand the specific workplace dynamics – from the commuter relationships with Swindon, Bath, and Bristol to the influence of major employers in the wider area.

This local expertise proves invaluable when:

  • Calculating fair compensation based on the local job market
  • Understanding likely outcomes at regional employment tribunals
  • Assessing realistic re-employment prospects in Wiltshire
  • Addressing industry-specific practices common in local businesses

Speak with our Chippenham based Employment Law Solicitors today…

Need expert employment advice? Call our friendly team on 01249 123456 or email litigation@awdry.law to arrange your free consultation.

You can find our office at: 67 Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3HG

We’re conveniently located in the heart of town, making it easy to meet with your solicitor face-to-face to discuss sensitive workplace matters.

Don’t face employment problems alone. With our employment solicitors by your side, you’ll have the local expertise and legal knowledge needed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

How quickly should I act if I'm facing workplace issues?

We recommend seeking advice as soon as possible. Many employment claims have strict time limits – often just 3 months from the date of the incident. Early advice can also help prevent situations from escalating.

I’ve been offered a settlement agreement—should I sign it?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract where you agree to waive your right to bring any employment claims (e.g. unfair dismissal or discrimination) in return for a financial payout.

Before signing, consider:

  • Is the compensation fair? It should reflect lost earnings and potential claims.
  • Are there restrictive clauses? Some agreements include non-compete clauses limiting your future employment.
  • Have you taken legal advice? You must get independent legal advice for the agreement to be valid—your employer usually covers the cost of this.

Never feel pressured to sign before seeking advice. Speak to our settlement agreement solicitors in Chippenham to discuss your employment rights and negotiate better terms if needed.

I think I’ve been unfairly dismissed—how do I know if I have a case?

If you’ve been dismissed and feel it was unfair, you may have grounds to challenge it, but it depends on a few key factors.

  • Were you employed for at least two years (the usual threshold for unfair dismissal claims)?
  • Did your employer follow a fair process, including proper warnings or disciplinary procedures
  • Was the reason for dismissal legally valid (e.g. redundancy, misconduct) or does it seem unfair or discriminatory?

Some dismissals are automatically unfair, such as being sacked for whistleblowing, pregnancy, or union membership.

Speak to an employment solicitor today to assess your case quickly.

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