North West law firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP has recruited Karen Baron to spearhead the delivery of an employment law package aimed at protecting businesses from employment tribunals. Karen from Pennington in Leigh, has joined the firm’s commercial team at Middlebrook, Bolton to specifically market the employment law package, Workplace Plus, which offers businesses a complete HR solution, including template letters, policies and an insurance product to fund legal fees in employment tribunals.
Karen joins the law practice from insurer, Financial and Legal Group in Cheadle. She was also previously with the Royal Bank of Scotland Mentor Services. Her role as a business management consultant will see her supporting the 17-strong team of employment specialists, by increasing the firm’s client base for employment-related issues.
Workplace Plus is designed to remove the time and everyday headaches of being an employer. From structuring employment policies to advice on recruitment, the service gives employers and HR managers the tools required to become a best practice employer.
Karen added: “The benefits of Workplace Plus cannot be underestimated in the current tough economic conditions. Only this month, the latest annual statistics published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service revealed that in the 12 months to 31st March 2011, the Employment Tribunals received 218,100 claims.
“This is a significant number which demonstrates how businesses may be struggling to keep up to date with the ever-changing employment laws. If things do go wrong, having the Workplace Plus protection means we will prepare the case and represent an employer in Court or at a tribunal – a source of comfort in view of the growing compensation culture.”
The Workplace Plus package includes a full audit of employment documentation, contracts, policies; bespoke document templates; unlimited access to an employment solicitor for advice and guidance on issues as they arise; training, advice and representation for employment tribunals, and employment protection insurance for the cost of full legal representation at an employment tribunal, including the cost of any award made against you up to a maximum of £100,000.
Karen added: “I’m looking forward to building long term relationships with clients. I have previously launched a similar product successfully, and believe that the package can add unlimited value to businesses who struggle to deal with everyday HR issues.”
Jonathan Chadwick, managing partner of Stephensons’ commercial department said: “Karen’s arrival enables us to focus on delivering the Workplace Plus package to a significantly larger proportion of businesses across the region. She is a strong addition to our employment team.”
For more information visit www.stephensons.co.uk/workplaceplus.
ENDS
About Stephensons:
The latest edition of the Legal 500 ranks Stephensons and recommends the Employment department. The firm has 30 partners and more than 350 staff in seven regional offices across Greater Manchester and Merseyside. For more information visit www.stephensons.co.uk
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
T: 01616 966 229