Category: Employment Law Solicitors

We are delighted to announce that Lawson West Solicitors is now a proud sponsor of the Helping Hands Business Club, a growing membership network of professionals and employers from across Leicestershire and the VCSE (Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise) sector.

Where It All Happens

The club meets monthly at the Glen Gorse Golf Club, Glen Road, Oadby, LE2 4SA, providing a vibrant and welcoming venue for meaningful connections and shared learning.

Next Event: Thursday, 4th September 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Includes hot drinks and breakfast snacks
• Pay-as-you-go or join as a member (discounts available for charities)

Why It Matters to Employers…

If you’re an employer or business leader in Leicestershire looking to:

• Grow your network
• Engage with other purpose-driven professionals
• Stay informed about key legal and operational topics

…then the Helping Hands Business Club offers the perfect monthly touchpoint. You’ll meet like-minded individuals, hear from guest speakers, and benefit from “spotlight” business moments where local companies share insights and opportunities.

Lawson West’s Role

As one of the club’s headline sponsors, we are committed to helping foster a collaborative business community in our region. Our support includes:

• Monthly Pro Bono Legal Advice
  Our Senior Associate Solicitor & Team Manager, Sejal Patel, is on hand on set days to support the club’s legal clinics and provides free initial employment law advice. Whether you’re navigating HR issues, contracts, or policies – Sejal is here to help support local employers with practical initial legal guidance.
• October Presentation Slot
  We’re excited to announce that Lawson West Solicitors will deliver the October 2025 guest presentation, focusing on legal hot topics for employers – from managing employee disputes to staying compliant with evolving legislation.
• Ongoing Engagement & Support
  We actively encourage other businesses in attendance to showcase their own work. Presenting at Helping Hands is a fantastic opportunity to highlight your services, share best practices, and gain visibility in the local business ecosystem.

Join the Club!

Whether you’re just starting out or leading an established organisation, the Helping Hands Business Club is open to all – employers, entrepreneurs, and professionals with a community-focused mindset.

At Lawson West Solicitors, we believe strong communities build strong businesses. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to meeting more local employers at future events.

For more information about Helping Hands Business Club membership or attendance please contact CEO Amy Davies: adavies@helpinghandsadvice.co.uk

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHS, the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) offers a strategic option for both employees and employers.

The NHS is undergoing significant transformation as it adapts to changing healthcare needs and financial pressures. NHS England has been at the forefront of these changes, implementing various initiatives to enhance efficiency and patient care. Among these initiatives, MARS has gained popularity as a strategic tool for managing workforce adjustments. The scheme offers a voluntary severance option for employees, providing flexibility for both staff and management during periods of organisational change. MARS not only supports employees in exploring new opportunities but also helps NHS organisations navigate financial constraints and service redesigns effectively.

Here’s an overview to help you understand MARS and how it might benefit you.

What is MARS?

The Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) is a voluntary severance scheme designed for NHS employees. It allows employees to resign voluntarily in exchange for a severance payment. This scheme is particularly useful during periods of organisational change and financial constraint, providing a flexible solution for workforce management.

Key Features of MARS

1. Voluntary Participation:
   Unlike redundancy, MARS is entirely voluntary. Employees choose to participate and resign from their positions.
2. Severance Payment:
   Participants receive a severance payment, the amount of which is typically based on their length of service and salary.
3. Flexibility for Employers:
   MARS helps NHS organisations manage staffing levels and create vacancies that can be filled through redeployment or as alternatives for those facing redundancy.
4. Support for Employees:
   Employees who opt for MARS can benefit from the severance payment and the opportunity to explore new career paths or retirement.

How MARS Differs from Redundancy

While both MARS and redundancy involve employees leaving their positions, there are key differences:

• Voluntariness: MARS is voluntary, whereas redundancy can be compulsory.
• Purpose: MARS is used to manage change and create flexibility, while redundancy is typically a response to a reduced need for certain roles.

Legal Considerations

As specialist employment law solicitors, we can assist with the settlement agreement associated with MARS, usually at no extra cost to you. It’s crucial to ensure that the agreement is fair and that you fully understand the terms before proceeding.

Expertise You Can Trust

At Lawson West Solicitors, we specialise in settlement agreements, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible advice and support. With extensive experience in employment law, we are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of MARS and other severance schemes. Our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your career and future.

How Our Solicitors Can Help:

• Explanation of Terms: We will explain the agreement’s clauses, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations.
• Protection of Rights: We will review the agreement to ensure it adequately protects your contractual, common law, and statutory rights.
• Negotiation: If you’re not happy with the terms, we can negotiate with your employer to improve the settlement, potentially including a higher compensation amount.
• Confidentiality: We can also advise on the confidentiality obligations within the agreement.
• Timely Review: Understanding the tight deadlines often associated with settlement agreements, we work quickly to provide timely advice.

How Lawson West Can Help

At Lawson West Solicitors, we specialise in protecting employees’ rights in complex situations. MARS can be a beneficial option for NHS employees considering a change. Whether you’re looking to retire, explore new opportunities, or simply take a break, understanding the scheme and its implications is essential.

If you have been offered a MARS settlement agreement, or if you are considering applying for MARS, we are here to guide you through the process, protect your reputation, and ensure your rights are respected.

If you believe you have a situation where you require legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000, alternatively complete the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

Last month’s news that Red Bull has dismissed Christian Horner after two decades as Team Principal has sent shockwaves throughout the Formula 1 world.

Horner’s departure shows how suddenly even the most senior roles can come to an end, especially when allegations, disputes, or performance issues are involved. While most employees are not in the public spotlight like Horner, the legal rights and protections around investigations, dismissal, and settlement apply to everyone.

Allegations, investigations and right to a fair process

The background of Horner’s dismissal includes allegations of sexual harassment and controlling behaviour – allegations for which he has reportedly been cleared of twice following internal investigations. This highlights a crucial employment law point, all employees are entitled to a fair and thorough investigation if allegations are made against them. A flawed or biased investigation process can give rise to claims for unfair dismissal depending on how the allegations are handled.

Settlement agreements: know what you are signing

It is unclear whether Horner has a settlement in place. Many dismissals conclude with a settlement agreement, which is a legally binding document in which an employee waives their right to bring certain claims (such as unfair dismissal or discrimination) in exchange for compensation.

Employees should always seek independent legal advice before signing such an agreement. This ensures that the rights are fully understood, any restrictions (such as confidentiality and non-compete clauses) are clear, and whether compensation offered is fair.

What should you do if you’re facing a similar situation?

While few of us will find ourselves managing an F1 team, allegations, performance disputes, and sudden dismissals can occur in any workplace. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is important to remember:

• You have the right to a fair process
• You may have grounds for unfair dismissal or discrimination claims
• It is crucial to seek legal advice before signing a settlement agreement

How Lawson West can help

At Lawson West Solicitors, we specialise in protecting employees’ rights in complex situations. Whether you’re facing allegations, a disciplinary hearing, redundancy, or an unexpected dismissal, we provide clear, strategic advice to help you secure the best possible outcome.
If you have been offered a settlement agreement or believe you have been unfairly dismissed, we are here to guide you through the process, protect your reputation, and ensure your rights are respected.

If you believe you have a situation where you require legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000, alternatively complete the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.