Our Employment Disputes Service
Are you facing an employment dispute that threatens your business’s finances, reputation, or day-to-day operations? Our employment solicitors understand how damaging and disruptive such disputes can be. We’re ranked in the Legal 500 and have a proven track record of successfully defending claims and resolving complex workplace conflicts for employers nationwide.
Employers are inevitably required to manage difficult issues with employees in relation to a wide range of employee rights and issues, including conduct, capability, absence, and performance issues.
At Myerson, we recognise that any form of employment dispute can come at a great cost for your business, whether this is from a financial perspective or from being disruptive and time-consuming. Where a dispute is unavoidable, our expert business employment solicitors will provide strategic and commercial advice and represent you in the event of a formal employment tribunal claim. Myerson Solicitors' Employment team have an excellent track record of successfully defending claims against our clients nationwide and in multiple sectors; your business will therefore be in safe hands.
We will also be able to advise you on the likely costs of a dispute and the best course of action to take. You can view our employer's guide to employment tribunal costs here. Sometimes, the right advice will be to negotiate a water-tight settlement agreement to resolve an ongoing dispute and protect your business from further claims or other damage.
Our experience means we can identify issues such as discrimination and whistleblowing at an early stage and steer employers through the legal minefield that must be navigated to avoid serious reputational damage and costly claims.
Why Work With Our Employment Team?
Our award-winning employment team offers a service that combines specialist expertise with a proactive and commercially focused approach.
- Recognised Excellence - Our employment solicitors are ranked and highly recommended in The Legal 500, reflecting the strength of our legal knowledge and the quality of service we deliver. We were also named “Employment Team of the Year” at the Manchester Legal Awards 2024, underlining our commitment to excellence.
- Specialist, Partner-Led Advice - Every client benefits from a partner-led service. Your matter will be handled by a qualified employment solicitor who understands your business, industry pressures, and objectives. We tailor our advice to your needs, considering the complexity, sensitivity, and commercial impact of each matter.
- Dispute Resolution Expertise - We have extensive experience acting for employers in a wide range of disputes, including unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing claims. Whether defending a claim in the Employment Tribunal or negotiating a favourable settlement, we protect your interests while focusing on speed, efficiency, and reputational risk.
- Strategic, Commercial Solutions - Employment issues can affect more than just the bottom line, they can disrupt morale, reputation, and leadership focus. We take a practical and strategic approach, helping you resolve disputes efficiently while safeguarding your commercial interests.
- Transparent, Cost-Conscious Service - We understand that clarity on fees is just as important as legal advice. From the outset, we provide clear and transparent cost estimates and keep you informed throughout. We tailor our work to the appropriate level, ensuring value without compromising on quality.
- Extensive Employer Experience - With years of experience acting for employers across a wide range of sectors, we offer fast, effective advice grounded in a deep understanding of your business and legal risk profile. From HR advisory support to tribunal defence, we are trusted partners to in-house teams and business owners alike.
- Accessible and Responsive - Thanks to our unique structure and firm culture, our team remains genuinely accessible and responsive. We prioritise clear communication, same-day responses, and practical guidance that enables confident decision-making.
Learn More About Our Employment Team
Our Approach to Employment Disputes
Our employment solicitors focus on achieving your business objectives in the most efficient and practical way. We pride ourselves on providing bespoke advice, tailored to your unique requirements.
We understand that employers need to be commercial, decisive and act calmly but quickly in sensitive employment matters.
Your work will be carried out by a qualified solicitor who knows your business requirements best. Work is also carried out at the appropriate level, depending on the complexity, sensitivity and importance of the matter.
We work closely with our clients to ensure that we meet their expectations both in terms of their objectives and in relation to costs. We know that clarity on costs is vitally important to our clients, especially at a time when businesses are challenged by sudden and dramatic changes to economic circumstances.
As standard practice, we give our clients an estimate of the costs at the outset and provide cost updates on a regular basis.
Our Employment Dispute Expertise
Employment Tribunals
Most contentious employment matters are dealt with in the Employment Tribunals (such as pay claims, wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, whistleblowing, TUPE claims and discrimination claims).
Our employment law solicitors are highly experienced in deterring claims by way of pre-action correspondence and through the ACAS Early Conciliation procedure. Our lawyers are also highly experienced litigators dealing with all aspects of a case from preparing responses, document disclosure and preparing witness statements, as well as conducting advocacy in the Employment Tribunal. We understand that a tailored and commercial approach is required, having regard to risk, cost, resource and reputational issues. Whatever the approach, we will provide straightforward and robust advice and assistance.
In conjunction with our dispute resolution team, we will take the same approach to cases that cannot be dealt with by an Employment Tribunal, for example, high-value contractual claims and injunction proceedings.
Click here to see our prices for employment tribunals.
Examples:
- Acting for an airline in respect of various Employment Tribunal claims brought by ex-pilots and cabin crew involving unfair dismissal and TUPE issues
- Acting for an airport operator in defending an Employment Tribunal claim by an air traffic controller, securing a withdrawal of the claim
- Acting for a major national law firm in defending a complex discrimination claim brought by a solicitor, including compliance issues involving the Solicitors' Regulatory Authority
- Acting for an international manufacturing company in respect of claims brought by ex-employees following a collective redundancy exercise
- Advising a group of 45 former employees in relation to their multi-million-pound group action TUPE claim against Thomas Cook Group
- Acting on a complex whistleblowing claim brought by an individual seeking in excess of £1m in compensation. Robustly defending all allegations and securing a settlement for a nominal sum.
- Representing a number of commercial organisations affected by a claim by a group of employees that their employment should have transferred under TUPE. Securing a settlement for a nominal sum.
Settlement Agreements
There are many reasons for an employer to seek to agree terms on which an employee must leave employment. Reasons are often sensitive or difficult and it’s essential to approach the matter in the right way to ensure the very best outcome.
Our employment solicitors can provide strategic and practical support to achieve the best results. This may include providing “scripts” for settlement discussions, advice on settlement amounts, handling settlement negotiations and ensuring settlement packages are structured as efficiently as possible as well as drafting and negotiating settlement agreements (formerly compromise agreements).
We also design, manage and implement bulk settlement agreement projects, for exercises involving from 10 to 600 employees, and act as independent advisers in large scale redundancy and reorganisation exercises.
Examples:
- Advising a large employer on achieving a smooth departure of two board-level executives
- Providing close support to a national employer in relation to the removal of the Finance Director, including involvement in planning, strategy, drafting correspondence and negotiating to achieve a mutually agreeable outcome
- Assisting a large employer in ensuring an executive leaving under a settlement agreement signed up to new restrictive covenants to protect the business from competition and solicitation
- Acting for 600 individuals accepting settlement agreements in a large scale voluntary exercise, ensuring all agreements were completed within a tight timetable
- Acting for various senior executives leaving PLC boards, including dealing with Stock Exchange announcement issues and packages involving complex bonuses, shares, LTIPs and share options
Discrimination
Employees (and workers, partners and agency staff) are protected from being discriminated against on the grounds of their sex, age, race, religion and belief, disability, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, fixed-term status and part-time status. These are known as “protected characteristics” and discrimination on these grounds is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
Discrimination is an area of high risk for employers. There is no qualifying period required for an individual to make a discrimination claim and there is no cap on the level of compensation that can be awarded. Failing to respond carefully to allegations of inequality or discrimination can lead to significant claims for compensation but can also give rise to poor employee relations, reputational damage and commercial disadvantage.
Our specialist employment solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with all types of discrimination grievances and claims, including dealing with discrimination grievances and claims where the claimant remains in employment.
Examples:
- Successfully defending a household name retail company in relation to various claims including disability, sex and race discrimination and equal pay claims brought by ex-employees
- Acting for a major national law firm in defending a discrimination claim brought by a solicitor
- Advising a national employer on the impact of age discrimination laws on their collectively agreed severance and early retirement terms
- Assisting various large employers to achieve the amicable exit of senior employees and directors against a backdrop of absence of poor performance associated with potential disability discrimination concerns
Whistleblowing
In this context, a whistleblower is a person who, in the public interest, makes a disclosure about matters such as criminal offences, regulatory breaches, breaches of legal obligation or health and safety matters.
Whistleblowers have special protection from unfair dismissal (including constructive dismissal) and from detriment, for example, disciplinary action, demotion or failure to promote.
Public policy driving whistleblower protection means that its scope is wide:
- no qualifying period of employment is required to make a whistleblowing claim; and
- the protection is afforded to employees, former employees, directors, contractors, agency workers and some partners and LLP members;
Further, Employment Tribunal awards are unlimited and can include awards for ‘injury to feelings’ similar to those made in discrimination cases.
A whistleblowing event may or may not be obvious, and may be masked by wider grievances. Spotting a whistleblowing disclosure and responding appropriately can be key to managing both employment-related and reputational risk.
Our Employment lawyers are experienced in representing employers facing whistleblowing claims and they are skilled at undermining claims made on frivolous bases or otherwise lacking merit.
Why Work With Our Team of Experts?
Our specialist team of employment solicitors is highly recommended in the independent Legal 500 directory and is described as an ‘excellent’ and ‘experienced’ team. Therefore, you can be assured that you will deal with some of the best employment solicitors in the country.
- We are proud to have been recognised as the “Employment Team of the Year” at the prestigious Manchester Legal Awards 2024.
- We provide city centre standards of advice and service levels due to our policy of recruiting only the best specialist employment solicitors from leading firms.
- Your work will be carried out by a qualified employment law solicitor who knows your business requirements best. We also carry out our work at the appropriate level, depending on the complexity, sensitivity, and importance of the employment issue.
- We work closely with our clients to ensure that we meet their expectations both in terms of their objectives and in relation to costs. Our employment solicitors know that clarity on costs is vitally important to our clients, especially at a time when businesses are challenged by sudden and dramatic changes to economic circumstances.
- We have extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of employers and employment disputes, giving you fast, helpful advice based on knowledge of your business, its history, and pressures.
- We provide a partner-led service and a genuinely accessible team of experienced employment law solicitors due to our size, structure, and unique culture.
Testimonials
Phil Davies - General Counsel and Compliance Director, TATA Chemicals Europe
I’ve worked with Myerson for many years, primarily on employment matters. I trust them to give me straightforward, pragmatic advice; not just options, but a steer on what to do. That’s what I need as a GC. They’re a credible alternative to larger firms when the balance of cost, quality and responsiveness really matters.
Vetted Limited t/a Checkatrade (UK)
I found Myerson to be flexible, with a good understanding of risk and when to take it. They also asked the right questions.
Mr. Heald
The service was excellent. Vicki was not only very professional, but timely in her responses and understanding of key timelines. I would definitely use Myerson again.
Michelle Hickman - HR Manager, Royal Exchange Theatre
Myerson were quick to respond to our initial enquiry and once engaged, dealt with our business swiftly. Charlotte and the team were attentive and friendly, while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. We were very impressed by their high level of customer service, and their support gave us security and confidence throughout their engagement. We recommend Myerson and will definitely engage them again.
Mr Brown
Anjali was very helpful and proactive in resolving my situation. She guided me through the process and achieved a great outcome. Always professional and always responsive!
Legal 500
Joanne Henderson provides ‘a first-class service' to businesses across a wide range of sectors and is also seasoned in the Employment Tribunal, and the ’very commercial' Charlotte Gilbert, who advises employers on restructurings and TUPE issues. Gilbert is also experienced in discrimination and whistleblowing claims in the Employment Tribunal.
Anon
The support team manage our expectations seamlessly, meaning we can speak to any of the team, and know that they will be aware of any ongoing enquiries. Particular mention and thanks to Vicki, who has supported us most recently, and made it easier for us to make decisions with her pragmatic advice. I personally feel I am learning from Myerson with each interaction. Super-happy with the service, thank you!
Legal 500
Very knowledgeable and the constant contact and keeping you informed sets them above their competition.
Legal 500
The firm provides a customer focus service. They provide general employment law updates and advice into our business on a tailored basis, and provide specific advice to a range of circumstances.
Legal 500
The personal relationship and having a key contact at the firm. Not only do you have a key contact per department, but also at the firm overall. They also are a integral part of the community, holding events and being invited to these as part of networking is not only fun but also worthwhile.
Legal 500
Myerson’s is small enough to be able to form personal relationships with the solicitors, yet large enough that they can provide an excellent and knowledgeable service. They have good relationships with Counsel in different areas and are able to recommend individuals for cases.
Anon
Excellent experience end to end I recently used Myerson Solicitors for assisting with my exit from the business and Charlotte’s advice, knowledge and support was great from start to finish. fully recommend.
Legal 500
The team were exceptional in understanding what was a complex matter, they utilised their knowledge of the law and technologies to support the case and ultimately their collaborative effort led to a successful result.
Anon
Excellent support. I turned to Vicki for support with an employment matter. Vicki was always clear, concise and incredibly communicative. She made the entire process easy to understand and much less stressful to navigate. Couldn’t recommend her enough.
Legal 500
Joanne Evans is extremely pleasant, accessible and people friendly, but also with significant expertise and underlying grit.
Legal 500
Myerson has a strong employment team with long-established clients and a great reputation. Their lawyers are approachable and pragmatic, and there is a consistently high level of advice given across the team
Greg McMahon, Mitchells & Butlers Plc
As always, fantastic support and crystal clear, constructive and eminently sensible advice. A joy to work with you!
Legal 500
Employment specialist Joanne Evans has ’significant expertise and underlying grit' with significant experience in large-scale redundancies, collective consultations, trade union disputes, corporate support, and advice to senior individuals.
Legal 500
The team at Myerson are incredible. They are available when needed urgently and I never have to go over old ground with anyone when progressing with cases. Their people are knowledgeable without being overwhelming, and explain everything clearly. They understand that we are not experts, so the advice is tailored to our needs and delivered in such a way that we can then make informed decisions.
Legal 500
Joanne Henderson has been invaluable in her advice and guidance to our organisation. She provides a first-class service. She is warm, personable and professional, and she is not only an expert in her field but also has a very pragmatic and thoughtful approach to her advice, which is particularly valuable.
Legal 500
Jack Latham truly cares for his clients and the outcome, he is very professional, and has excellent knowledge of the law and legal systems.
Legal 500
Charlotte Gilbert is very commercial and understands senior staff complex matters very well. She is happy to hear your thoughts too, and the advice is then very tailored to your needs and ready for implementation rather than just legal opinion.
Legal 500
Excellent knowledge with a really pragmatic approach, discusses options with pros and cons and helps plan strategies to mitigate risks. The company has a really team-oriented approach and there is no hierarchical nature at all. The team are clearly loyal to the firm and the firm is committed to inclusiveness.
Chambers UK
Myerson has a strong employment team that is recognised for its work for household-name companies. The team offers advice to clients on matters including industrial relations, redundancies and senior executive terminations. The team also has further strength in defending employers before employment tribunals in relation to claims such as whistle-blowing and unfair dismissal.
Chambers UK
Myerson is very knowledgeable, clear and proactive with ideas and recommendations. I'm very happy with the service provided. My case was handled very effectively and efficiently.
Chambers UK
Myerson gives me practical, no-nonsense advice that's tailored to what I'm looking for. They don't deal in black and white solutions, knowing when they need to find the grey.
Chambers UK
Myerson offers in-depth knowledge, informed advice, empathy and great support. Their service is second to none; I really don't know how they could improve. Their awareness of the market is first-rate.
Chambers UK
The Myerson team are firmly committed to achieving commercial results for clients with the best outcomes. It is a firm that prides itself on having the finger on the pulse of every case.
Chambers UK
Their advice is always carefully curated, thoughtful and presented in a clear format, which enables us to easily make decisions on our actions. They're available when needed, even at short notice.
Meet Our Employment Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our employment lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Charlotte Gilbert
Charlotte is the Head of Myerson HR and a Partner in our Employment Team
Contact Our Experts
You can contact our lawyers below if you have any more questions or want more information:
0161 941 4000
Latest Myerson Employment Law News
Pride at Work: Protecting LGBTQ+ Employees from Workplace Discrimination
With Pride celebrations coming up and continuing across the UK each year, many employers take visible steps towards inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Despite this, LGBTQ+ employees can still face discrimination, harassment, bullying or unfair treatment in the workplace, and employers should ensure proactive steps are taken to prevent...
Read Blog
7
Retail and Hospitality: Growing your Local Business
A practical webinar for retail and hospitality businesses on employment, property and commercial law for growth. Growing a retail or hospitality business brings exciting opportunities but also a range of legal and commercial considerations that can affect long-term success. Join Myerson Solicitors’ Retail and Hospitality sector specialists for a...
View Event
Top 10 Tips for Employers on the Employment Rights Act 2025 Reforms
Have you made the changes you need to comply with the changes already in force? The Employment Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in 2025 and introduces revolutionary reforms to UK employment law, representing one of the most significant overhauls of employer obligations in a generation and materially expanding employee protections. The Act...
Read Blog
Myerson Magazine Spring 2026 Issue
We’re pleased to share the latest issue of Myerson Magazine, bringing together practical legal insights, updates on key legislative changes, and stories from across the firm. In this Spring edition, our experts explore the issues affecting individuals, families and businesses today, from property law reforms and employment changes to private...
Read Newsletter
National Minimum Wage Increase - The Impact on Hospitality and Leisure
As we approach April 2026, businesses across the hospitality and leisure sector should be braced for another significant rise in the National Minimum Wage (“NMW”) and National Living Wage (“NLW”). Although annual increases are not new, the scale of recent changes combined with wider cost pressures means that this year’s adjustments warrant...
Read Blog
Navigating UK Immigration Changes: What Manufacturers Need to Know
For many manufacturing businesses, recruiting and retaining skilled international talent has become increasingly challenging. In this Q&A, Robert Brothers, Head of Myerson's Manufacturing Sector, speaks with immigration specialist Mohammed Hafejee, Partner at Latitude Law, to explore how recent changes to the UK’s immigration rules are affecting...
Read Blog