Philip Richardson

Restrictive covenants are clauses often found in employment contracts that limit what an employee can do during and after their employment ends. While they are intended to protect legitimate business interests, they must also be reasonable and proportionate...

The employment law changes for 2026 and 2027 represent a significant programme of reform affecting recruitment, contracts, workplace policies, dismissal procedures, family leave, statutory sick pay, harassment prevention and trade union rights. Business...

Facing redundancy can be a highly stressful and uncertain period in anyone’s life. Whether expected or unexpected, the process often brings numerous legal, financial and emotional challenges. At Stephensons, we understand the importance of ensuring...

In the realm of employment law, a performance improvement plan (PIP) is a formal tool that employers may use to address concerns about an employee’s performance. While it is a legitimate mechanism for employers to support and manage underperformance,...

In today's demanding work environment, many employees across the UK are finding themselves juggling overwhelming workloads, extended hours, and increasing pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. At Stephensons, our employment law solicitors regularly...

When an employer undertakes an office relocation, the impact on individual employees can be considerable. This is especially true when the move involves a significant change in commute or working arrangements. Understanding your rights as an employee during...

When you are referred to occupational health by your employer, it can raise many questions about your rights, the purpose of the referral, and how the information will be used. At Stephensons, our experienced employment law solicitors are often approached...

Understanding the disciplinary procedure is crucial for employers to ensure compliance with employment law, maintain workplace standards, and safeguard the rights of their employees. Stephensons offers expert guidance on disciplinary procedures,...

Employment law training has become essential for businesses seeking compliance, clarity, and harmony within the workplace. At Stephensons Solicitors LLP, we specialise in delivering employment law training services tailored to your specific needs. Our...

As organisations mark National Inclusion Week, employers are being urged to look beyond diversity policies and focus on the practical steps needed to support disabled employees in the workplace. Almost one in four working-age people in the UK, around 10.4...

Starting a new job can be an exciting yet daunting time, particularly when it comes to understanding your legal rights as a new employee. At Stephensons, our expert employment law team provides clear, practical guidance for individuals at the outset of...

Wrongful dismissal claims can present serious consequences for your business, including high legal costs, damaged reputation and decreased employee morale. At Stephensons, our employment law specialists have extensive experience assisting employers in...

Exposure to mould (commonly referred to as “mold” in American English) in the workplace can pose serious health risks and create difficult working conditions for many employees across the UK. At Stephensons, our employment solicitors regularly...

Handling employee grievance procedures effectively is essential for maintaining a positive workplace culture and ensuring legal compliance. At Stephensons, we understand that resolving grievances promptly and professionally protects businesses and employees...

Understanding your legal rights when it comes to mental health at work is crucial to ensuring you are treated fairly and lawfully by your employer. At Stephensons, we support individuals in asserting their rights in the workplace, particularly in cases...

Redundancy can be a challenging and complex process for both employers and employees. Understanding how long the redundancy process takes is critical to ensuring compliance with employment law and maintaining fairness in your organisation. ...

Bonus disputes at work can be a stressful and challenging experience for employees. In many roles, bonuses represent a significant portion of income or are tied closely to individual or team performance. When disagreements arise regarding the payment,...

As the workplace continues to evolve, internal secondments are becoming an increasingly common feature within many organisations. Whether used for career development, skills training, or support during organisational changes, secondments can offer valuable...

As an employer, knowing how to conduct a disciplinary hearing correctly is critical in safeguarding your business and maintaining fair employment practices. Disciplinary hearings can be challenging, but ensuring they are carried out fairly and legally...

Facing a suspension from work can be a stressful experience, particularly when you are uncertain about your rights and the potential implications for your income and reputation. One of the most common concerns during this period is whether you will continue...

At Stephensons, we understand that many individuals find themselves working without a written contract of employment. This can cause uncertainty surrounding employment rights, legal protections, and entitlements. If you are asking yourself "I have no...

Facing suspension from your job can be an incredibly stressful and confusing time. If you are currently suspended from work, you may be wondering whether you should take the difficult step of resigning. At Stephensons, we regularly advise employees in...

If you are experiencing issues in your workplace, whether it's related to unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, or another form of concern, understanding how to raise a grievance at work is a crucial first step. At Stephensons, our employment...

At Stephensons, we understand that the modern workplace is evolving, and employees increasingly seek more control over how, when and where they work. Flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, part-time hours, compressed hours or job sharing,...

Restrictive covenants in employment contracts can be a common source of concern for individuals moving on from a role or seeking a new opportunity. These clauses are often included in employment contracts to protect the legitimate business interests of the...

When an employee is suspended from work pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation, it can be an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. At Stephensons, we regularly advise clients who find themselves suspended from work without a clear...

Gardening leave, also referred to as garden leave, is a situation in which an employee who is leaving their position, either through resignation or dismissal, is required to stay away from the workplace during their notice period, whilst still remaining on...

For many employees, working away from home is a necessary part of their role. Whether it involves temporary relocation, long-distance travel or overnight stays, working away from one's normal place of employment can raise several legal and contractual...

When a company closes down, whether due to insolvency, financial hardship or a business decision to cease trading, employees often face uncertainty about their legal rights and entitlements. Understanding your rights as an employee in these circumstances is...

Being accused of theft in the workplace can be one of the most distressing and damaging experiences an employee may face. Whether the accusation is based on a misunderstanding, a workplace dispute, or something more serious, it is crucial to understand your...

Being accused of harassment in the workplace can have serious implications for your professional reputation, your current employment status, and your future career prospects. At Stephensons, we understand the stress and uncertainty that accompany such...

Understanding your employee rights under 2 years of continuous service is essential if you are facing issues in the workplace or considering your options after a dispute with your employer. While UK employment law provides a wide range of protections for...

Employment contract law governs the legal relationship between employers and employees. At Stephensons, our experienced solicitors specialise in helping individuals understand their rights and obligations contained within employment contracts. Whether you...

Flexible working law in the UK provides employees with the legal right to request changes to their working patterns, including hours, times, or locations of work. As the modern workforce evolves, more individuals seek work arrangements that provide a better...

Disciplinary proceedings can be a daunting experience for any employee, particularly when faced with the prospect of a formal meeting with your employer. Understanding your legal rights during these processes is vital to ensure you are treated fairly and...

In an ever-changing economic and social landscape, businesses may find it necessary to temporarily close their operations. These closures may arise from unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather events, pandemics, supply chain disruptions or...

Understanding your rights as an employee during a probationary period is important to ensure you are treated fairly and lawfully at work. A probation period does not override your legal protections and entitlements, nor does it give your employer free rein...

Understanding your rights when calling in sick is crucial for maintaining both your job security and your well-being. At Stephensons, our employment law specialists are frequently asked about the legal protections and responsibilities that apply when an...

Fixed term contracts are widely used across many sectors in the UK to meet temporary staffing needs, cover for permanent employees or to provide additional support during peak periods. These contracts can offer flexibility for both employers and employees;...

In today’s evolving work environments, more employees are required to perform their duties outdoors or in external environments away from traditional office settings. Whether due to the nature of the role or adjustments following hybrid working...

At Stephensons, we understand that many employees are unaware of the full extent of their legal rights once they have accrued two years of continuous service with their employer. This milestone is often significant in employment law, as it grants...

At Stephensons, we understand how important it is for individuals to be fully informed about their employee rights. The relationship between an employee and an employer is governed by a range of employment laws in the UK, designed to protect workers and...

In today’s digitally connected and increasingly monitored workplaces, the issue of employee privacy rights has never held more significance. With the advent of advanced technology, employers often have access to a wide range of information about their...

Understanding your legal entitlement to holiday leave is a vital aspect of employment law. At Stephensons, we regularly assist individuals who have questions or concerns regarding their employee holiday rights. Whether you are starting a new job, facing...

Facing the insolvency of your employer can be an uncertain and distressing time. If the company you work for becomes insolvent, a range of legal protections are in place to help employees understand and enforce their rights. At Stephensons, our experienced...

Employment contracts are legally binding agreements that outline the terms and conditions of the relationship between an employer and an employee. These terms can involve pay, working hours, job responsibilities, benefits and more. However, over time,...

In today’s evolving employment landscape, many employers are reassessing where their employees carry out their duties. From office closures to hybrid working models, changes in work location are becoming more common. However, such changes can raise...

At Stephensons, we understand how unsettling it can be to be presented with a new contract of employment, particularly when it differs from your current agreement. If you are asking yourself, "can I refuse to sign a new contract of employment...

Being suspended from work can be a challenging and uncertain period, particularly when you are also dealing with health issues. Many employees in the UK find themselves wondering, “Can I go off sick whilst suspended from work?” This is a valid...

In today’s increasingly digital world, surveillance in the workplace is becoming more common. Employers often use CCTV and other recording devices for security, monitoring, and productivity purposes. However, the use of cameras in the workplace can...

When an employee fails to attend work without notification or a valid reason, this is often referred to as being absent without leave (AWOL). It can be a particularly challenging situation for employers, especially when there is uncertainty about the...

Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity for employers to reflect on how they support autistic people at work. For many organisations, this starts with understanding their legal duties and then going beyond compliance to create genuinely inclusive working...

Nestlé’s decision to dismiss CEO Laurent Freixe following revelations of an undisclosed romantic relationship with a junior colleague has reignited debate around workplace relationships and the responsibilities of senior leaders. The company...

Over recent weeks we have seen the government unveil a series of proposals designed to ‘unlock work’ for millions of people in the UK living with a disability. The so-called ‘Plan for Change’ aims to help the almost 2.5 million...

The ruling from the Supreme Court is a landmark moment in a long and often controversial debate. There is now legal clarity that protection for sex discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 specifically relates to biological sex, even for those who hold...

The arrival of a newborn baby is typically a happy and joyous occasion for families. However, for those whose infants require neonatal care due to premature birth or health complications, this period can be both emotionally and financially challenging. In...

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to all McDonald's restaurants in the UK to warn them of their legal obligations to protect staff from sexual abuse. The equality watchdog has written to all 1,400 branches telling them they...

The UK government has announced that the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase by 6.7% from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour, effective from April 2025. This adjustment is expected to benefit over three million workers, providing an annual pay rise...

Settlement agreements can bring an end to any claims from an employee such as, claims for unfair dismissal or discrimination arising out of the employee’s employment or termination. If executed properly settlement agreements...

Settlement agreements, which used to be known as compromise agreements, are legally binding documents which can be used by both the employee and employer to resolve a dispute or end employment. Settlement agreements are covered in the Employment Rights...

Coming into force in October, The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act is designed to give workers in unpredictable and unstable employment situations, such as zero-hour contracts, a right to request a predictable work pattern. It aims to give...

One of the advantages of having a solicitor represent you at an employment tribunal is that they are specifically trained to deal with cases in the employment tribunal on a daily basis. They are familiar with legal concepts and the arguments that can...

In the run up to the general election, Labour made clear its plans to transform workers’ rights claiming that they were ‘not fit for the modern economy’. Their ‘new deal for working people’ made a pledge to implement sweeping...

In today's fast paced world, the traditional 9-to-5 office work setup is becoming increasingly outdated. Recognising this shift, and the needs and preferences of employees to have a more balanced work and personal life, the government have introduced...

From 6th April 2024, employees who are pregnant or returning from maternity, adoption or shared parental leave will gain priority status for redeployment opportunities in a redundancy situation. Under the current law, employees on maternity leave, shared...

To be a best practice employer, particularly in a fast-growing fintech company, it's crucial to have robust legal employment practices and policies in place. Often it can be difficult to keep up with what is legally required in a fast-growing company...

On 6 th April 2024 the Carer's Leave Act will come into force, giving employees with care responsibilities the right to unpaid leave whilst remaining in employment. According to the charity Carers UK, there are 5.7 million people in the UK who...

Having gained Royal Assent in the summer of 2023, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 will see significant changes to the way in which employees are able to make flexible working requests and how their employers must consider these...

Insubordination is defined as employee's deliberate refusal or failure to follow reasonable instructions from their employer. These instructions are likely to be a core part of their job role. It is considered a breach of the employee's duty to not...

Fit notes have replaced sick notes if an employee is off sick. The requirements around the procedures employees need to follow around time off due to illness will depend on their employer’s employment policies and their contract with the...

Workplace stress and employee burnout are significant issues in many organisations. While they can affect anyone, at any time, those in leadership or management positions often cite burnout as mitigating factors in their decision to leave a role, or...

While this change in legislation to allow UK staff to have the right to flexible working from day one is welcome, it is important to stress that it does not automatically give staff the right to work from home; rather that they can make a formal request....

The mass redundancy exercise at Twitter is another example of a laissez-faire approach to HR which can seriously harm employee morale and brand reputation. Whilst the majority of Twitter’s employees may be based in the US and Ireland, those...

There are many that will see this proposed change in the law as a long overdue solution to a decades old problem - a way to plug the gaps left by striking workers and ensure some continuity of service. At the same time, there is a balancing act the...

Clearly employers around the country are on notice of this strike action and the impact that it is likely to have. If they haven’t already, they should now be communicating with staff about how to avoid potential disruption. That could include...

The past year has transformed ways of working, with many of us commuting to our studies, spare rooms and kitchen tables rather than the office. With home working now likely to become a permanent fixture, the onus is on employers to amend their HR policies...

UK businesses are sadly facing the harsh reality of financial viability in a pandemic landscape where government support stops at the close of October. Corporates spanning airlines, automotive, banks, retail, hospitality and utilities have already taken...

While the coronavirus lockdown may have cooled some simmering office romances over recent months, it’s well known that many personal relationships are forged in the workplace. In 2018, the jobs website, TotalJobs found that 22% of people met their...

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has taken significant steps to try and protect the jobs of millions of workers across the UK. Between April and August of 2020, some 9.6 million people were placed on the government’s...

Facing redundancy at work can be a daunting and stressful prospect. However, you are not alone; the latest figures show that 96,000 people were made redundant in 2018 in the UK alone. No matter where you work or in what industry you work in, your...

There have been some key changes regarding the amounts that employees are entitled to from their employers including changes to the minimum wage, statutory payments and compensation limits for cases before the employment tribunal. It...

Over the past decade employment tribunal fees have been a talking point; not only amongst practitioners who practice employment law but also the individuals who wish to bring claims and businesses who defend them. In 2013, the fees were introduced by...

With the festive season upon us, many companies are now looking for workers to ensure that they have sufficient cover for the busy Christmas period. According to the British Retail Consortium, 36% of retailers have plans to increase staffing over...

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, single employment claims rose by 90 percent in the final quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter the previous year. This increase follows the abolition of employment tribunal fees in July 2017....

Rail passengers have been hit with widespread disruption on what is being called ‘Meltdown Monday’ after new timetables were introduced. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) which serves the Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern rail franchises...

A national poll by YouGov has found that two thirds of UK workers would prefer their day to start and finish earlier than the traditional 9 to 5. The most popular choice was an 8am to 4pm day - which was selected by 25 per cent of those polled....

The Supreme Court has ruled that fees imposed for those bringing employment tribunal claims are 'unlawful' in a groundbreaking case. The government introduced the fees in 2013 with the aim of reducing the number of malicious and...

Recent Office of National Statistics (ONS) data has revealed a sharp rise in the number of people working on zero-hours contracts to over 900,000. It is not the first time this contentious topic has made the headlines. Sports Direct recently caved into...

From April 2017 all businesses with a wage bill of more than £3m will be subject to an apprenticeship levy of 0.5 per cent of the payroll. The aim is to “help create millions of opportunities for individuals and employers” according to the...

As of 1 April 2016, the national living wage comes into effect which means that all workers aged 25 and over will be legally entitled to £7.20 per hour. The compulsory living wage is in effect a top up for those who already receive the national...

What has your business done to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not happening in its operations or supply chain – and are you ready to publish your first legally-required Modern Slavery Act 2015 statement (MSA)? The legislation now...

With the Chancellor's speech on Wednesday still ringing in our ears, Philip Richardson provides his analysis on the most important features of the Autumn Statement 2015 for pensions lawyers. ...

In October, we learned that the long running dispute between Sharon Shoesmith, former director of Children’s Services and her employer, Haringey Council has ended with a final settlement in her favour. In August 2007, baby Peter Connelly was...

As of 1st September 2013 employers can offer a new type of employment contract which gives employees shares in the organisation. However these shares will come at a price. In exchange the employee will be asked to relinquish certain employment rights. ...

New research has uncovered rising stress levels among the UK workforce. This is somewhat unsurprising since we are going through the worst recession in living memory. Job security worries, money concerns and management issues came top of the stress...

With the worrying spread of the disorder and rioting across the capital and beyond, the impact on the judicial system has been immediate, not least with the closure of London (South) Employment Tribunal. The damage caused...

A five-star hotel chain is being charged by a former employee after he claimed he was told to fire employees who were not “sexy” and “blonde,” a tribunal heard recently. Egyptian-born Amia Ismail, was...

As Government reforms to paternity regulations come into force recently, 4 out of 10 men claim they will not be taking advantage of the reforms, a new study has revealed. Out of 1,000 men surveyed by price comparison...

PC David Rathband is suing the police force who he worked for during Raoul Moat’s attacks in July 2010 for their failure to protect his health and safety whilst on duty. It is a stark reminder of every employer’s implied...

The usual rule in Employment Tribunal claims is that each party will bear their own costs in respect of the proceedings. However, in certain circumstances the Employment Tribunal can consider whether it may be appropriate to make a costs award...