A survey of 312 small business owners employing 1 – 49 employees carried out in December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) found that
• 32% reported feeling confident in their understanding of Employment Law and their role as an employer;
• 34% feel that Employment Law obligations are ‘not relevant’ to their business;
• 20% report they understand their obligations under Employment Law but are concerned that they get it right;
• 42% felt it is important to keep up to date with Employment Law;
• 25% admitted they do not keep up to date with changes in Employment Law;
• 28% reported feeling ‘vaguely aware’ of their legal obligations and felt unable to find the time to keep up to date.
To assist business owners to keep up to date with Employment Law, Lawson-West solicitors can:-
• Offer Employment Contract Healthchecks to ensure your employment contracts are fully compliant and up to date;
• Draft Employee Handbooks which include codes of conduct to minimise the risk of an employment tribunal claim for discrimination as employers can be vicariously responsible for an act of discrimination by an employee or a client;
• Draft Restrictive Covenants to help protect your business if employees leave;
• Offer Fixed Fee services;
• Offer an Employer’s Insurance Package.
In addition Lawson-West solicitors can advise on Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment Regulations) 2006, TUPE, on selling a business or buying a business.
Lawson-West also recommend employers consider Compromise Agreements when dismissing an employee or making employees redundant.
If you have any queries about Employment Law or the above services, please contact Ashley Hunt, Vaishali Thakerar or Carrie-Ann Randall on 0116 212 1000 now or complete one of the on-line forms.
