C&H Jefferson provide a comprehensive range of employment law services.  The firm advises a number of Northern Ireland's largest employers, professional associations and insurance companies in this area.

The combined forces of the Labour government and the UK's accession to the Social Chapter look set to fuel the dynamism of employment law.  The introduction of the Working Time Regulations has already involved many employers in a major review of working practices.  Further legislative proposals are expected to have enormous implications for the way we organise our businesses. 

It is vital that employers are apprised of forthcoming changes as well as current legal provisions.  C&H Jefferson aims to provide an employment law service which enables clients to keep abreast of change.  Management briefing seminars are provided to facilitate the introduction of employment policies, raise awareness of potential pitfalls and update knowledge.

Successful employee litigation often arises from defective procedures, inadequate work place policies or their improper application.  At C&H Jefferson we are concerned to provide clients with the support necessary to ensure the effective implementation of well drafted contracts, policies and procedures.  This has proved particularly important in litigation arising from alleged harassment.  Employers have successfully defeated claims of unlawful discrimination relying on the implementation of a policy indicating that harassment is unacceptable and an effective procedure for dealing with harassment complaints.

Northern Ireland has similar legislative provisions to Great Britain regarding sex, race and disability discrimination.  Investors should be aware of the Fair Employment legislation which is specific to Northern Ireland and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion.  The Fair Employment legislation imposes wide ranging obligations on employers including the monitoring of all applicants and employees and compiling reviews of working practices.  The firm has considerable experience both representing employers in litigation and providing advice and training in this specialised area.

At C&H Jefferson our commercial and employment lawyers work closely together to provide a comprehensive service to clients embarking on structural reorganisation.  Advice is provided on the implementation of redundancies and the employment implications attendant upon mergers, acquisitions and the transfer of undertakings.


       

Employment Law

Alana Jones Mark Tinman