Our Workplace Investigations Service
Our employment lawyers can provide a wide range of support in relation to workplace investigations including:
- advising individuals or businesses on how best to manage workplace investigations
- drafting or reviewing the necessary paperwork in support of an investigation
- conducting independent investigations on behalf of your business
We deal with a wide range of HR and workplace issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes and whistleblowing investigations. We are also experienced in dealing with investigations involving senior employees or directors in a business and investigations involving large numbers of employees such as collective grievances.
Further, we have a trusted network of independent professionals who we can work alongside if your business needs extra HR support with an investigation.
How we can help
Advising on workplace investigations
If you are an employee facing an investigation or your business is conducting a workplace investigation, we can support you every step of the way.
- For businesses, we can help your managers, legal or HR departments navigate the complex legal issues that workplace investigations can present, providing practical and commercial advice to help you manage issues effectively and in a way that best protects your business and its reputation. We have a trusted network of independent professionals who we can work alongside if you also need extra HR support with an investigation.
- For individuals, we understand that this can be a difficult time and you will be concerned about the potential reputational and financial implications of any investigations involving you (whether as the subject of an investigation or a witness). We can help you understand your legal obligations and defend yourself, providing clear, practical and strategic advice on your options and the best approach.
Conducting independent workplace investigations
Your business may require us to conduct an independent workplace investigation for you because the issues are very sensitive or confidential (such as bullying, discrimination, harassment, or whistleblowing), because very senior employees are involved or because it may be difficult to ensure a fair and independent process within your business due to the people involved.
Additionally, it could simply be easier for you to outsource your processes to us due to capacity issues or limitations in the organisation's size and resources. We also have a trusted network of independent professionals who we can work alongside if you need extra HR support with an investigation. Either way, we are here to help. Call us to talk through your options to find the best approach for you.
Having a thorough and fair investigation is crucial for employers as it:
- reassures your staff that these matters are taken seriously
- potentially avoids or mitigates the risk of any future disputes from employees
- ensures compliance with the ACAS Code of Practice when dealing with grievances or disciplinary matters. This is important as a breach of the ACAS Code can mean that employers are liable to pay an uplift of up to 25% on any compensation awarded.
Why choose us for help with Independent Workplace Investigations?
We can act as independent investigators where a breakdown in the working relationship could impact the fairness of a disciplinary or grievance process where senior employees or directors are involved or where the allegations are particularly complex or sensitive.
The ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinaries and grievances requires that different managers undertake the investigation, any disciplinary hearing and any subsequent appeal. It is also important that each step in the process is undertaken by more senior managers or directors each time.
For smaller businesses, your existing management team may not have the capacity or resources to deal with such a process fairly and independently. It might even be the case that your business needs to have separate investigators for different issues, particularly if there is a grievance and a related disciplinary matter.
Our team of specialist employment solicitors can take this worry away by providing you with bespoke support, including handling the investigation process for you and communicating the outcome or working alongside your managers or HR department to support you in managing an investigation.
Also, as qualified lawyers, our legal advice is protected by legal privilege so remains confidential to the key stakeholders in the business unless you chose to disclose it.
Our Independent Workplace Investigation Experience
Recent examples of our work in this area include:
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Criminal Behaviour
Undertaking a detailed and complex independent investigation on behalf of a business in the legal and financial sector, which involved very sensitive and confidential allegations of sexual misconduct and criminal behaviour at a work event.
Our team undertook a thorough investigation by interviewing the people involved, reviewing the evidence as a whole and writing an outcome report to summarise the evidence collated and to give our recommended next steps for the organisation to use in effecting and concluding the process, safe in the knowledge that they had a fair and independent investigation report from us upon which they could rely.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
Our employment team undertook an independent investigation on behalf of a global engineering company, which involved very sensitive and confidential allegations of sexual harassment at after-work drinks, followed by threatening behaviour in the workplace.
Our employment team held a thorough and fair investigation, including interviewing the complainant, the alleged perpetrator and other witnesses and made recommendations to the Board of Directors on possible disciplinary action and appropriate training.
Allegations of bullying and discrimination made against a senior executive
We advised a business in the charity sector relation to its handling of serious allegations of bullying and discrimination made against a senior executive.
Our employment team worked alongside one of our network of independent professionals, who conducted the investigation, whilst we provided strategic legal advice to the charity’s trustees on the best approach to the investigation and next steps following the outcome of the investigation so that relationships could be repaired and the organisation and all concerned individuals could move forward as amicably as possible.
Whistleblowing allegations raised as a collective grievance
We supported a large business in the energy sector that was facing multiple allegations of legal breaches that were raised as a collective grievance, as well as associated individual grievances and disciplinary proceedings. We helped our client plan a process for dealing with all the issues raised in a sensible, manageable and legally compliant way, as well as assisting with advice on managing the client’s regulatory obligations. We also provided support with finalising the required paperwork to demonstrate proper investigations had taken place and advised on appropriate outcomes, ensuring that the grievances were resolved and finalised as quickly as possible.
Allegations of bullying, coercion and whistleblowing
We supported a non-executive director with their investigation into multiple grievances and a whistleblowing complaint raised about two members of the senior leadership team by their peers. The investigation was particularly sensitive given the serious nature of the allegations (which included allegations of bullying and coercive behaviour), the seniority of those involved and the potential reputational implications for the organisation.
We supported the non-executive director throughout to ensure the investigation was conducted in a legally compliant and sensitive manner, which also involved advising on how to appropriately manage complex issues of anonymity and confidentiality (balancing the need to support the complainants from potential retaliation, whilst ensuring those being investigated were treated fairly).
Why Work With Our Employment Team?
- 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 and most experienced employment solicitors in the country.
- As qualified solicitors, we are required to act with honesty and integrity, in accordance with our professional code of conduct, meaning you can trust that we will interview witnesses appropriately, gather all relevant evidence and provide your business with an objective report. Also, our legal advice is protected by legal privilege so remains confidential to the key stakeholders in the business unless you chose to disclose it.
- As specialist employment solicitors, we have the experience to make practical, tailored and considered recommendations, giving your business the best options and confidence to manage the most difficult of situations.
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We are proud to have been recognised as the “Employment Team of the Year” at the prestigious Manchester Legal Awards 2024, giving you reassurance that you are dealing with some of the best lawyers availableWe offer you city centre standards of advice and service levels due to our policy of recruiting only the best specialist employment solicitors from leading firms.
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We offer a partner-led service and a genuinely accessible team of experienced employment law solicitors due to our size, structure, and unique culture.
- 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 of dealing with a wide range of employers, individuals and employment disputes, giving you fast, helpful advice, based on knowledge of various business sectors and market practices.
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
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