Employment
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“Down to earth and approachable”, “personable and pragmatic” are just two of the phrases used by clients to describe BTO’s employment lawyers (Chambers UK). Clients praise the team’s “excellent service from general advice to tribunal representation.” (The Legal 500) Clients praise the team's "hard work, focus and intelligence" and remark that they are "highly knowledgeable of employment legislation, enabling thorough advice which points out any pitfalls or areas of caution." (Chambers UK)
Our team has vast experience in advising and representing employers and employees at all levels and in all areas of industrial relations. The team includes two solicitors accredited as specialists in employment law by the Law Society of Scotland.
A substantial client base comprising major employers and staff associations in a variety of market sectors instructs the team regularly in both the public or private spheres. Our clients vary from large plcs to SMEs, for whom we provide day to day employment law and HR support. We also act for individuals, including Chief Executives and senior staff.
In addition, we offer a consultancy service to other solicitors and professionals (such as accountants and HR practitioners) and their clients.
On a regular basis, we present bespoke practical training sessions for clients on relevant employment law and HR topics and our team is regularly called upon to speak at employment law focused conferences and events.
We pride ourselves on providing, practical and innovative solutions that avoid disputes arising in the first place or from escalating. This approach provides our clients with long lasting results.
We immerse ourselves within the sectors in which we operate to ensure each team member has detailed knowledge of the legal and regulatory landscape in which clients operate. We are proud of the close and effective working relationships we have with our clients, many of whom are longstanding clients.
What we do
We act for both employers and employees in all areas of employment law, including:
- business reorganisations & transfers
- contracts of employment, policies & procedures
- employment disputes, representation & resolution
- HR advice & support
- training
Contacts:
Caroline Carr, Partner & Accredited Specialist in Employment Law
cac@bto.co.uk T. 0141 221 8012
Laura Salmond, Partner & Accredited Specialist in Employment Law lis@bto.co.uk T. 0141 221 8012
Dawn Robertson, Partner & Accredited Specialist in Employment Law
dro@bto.co.uk T. 0131 222 2939
BTO is the sole provider of legal services in Scotland to TEAM (The Employment Agents’ Movement) network.
Experience
- Reorganisation and TUPE
We acted for a public body setting up a trading subsidiary, with the result that there were potential TUPE transfers from a number of sources. We provided detailed advice in relation to the legal issues, consultation with Unions, pension issues, and staff communication and the introduction of new contracts, policies and procedures. We ensured that the whole process went smoothly with no claims arising.
- Reorganisation and changing terms and conditions
We acted for a charity looking to introduce a wholesale restructuring of staff while at the same time altering pay scales, changing terms of employment in relation to sick pay, holidays etc as well as ending the final salary pension scheme. We carefully guided the client through the process of consulting with Unions and staff, selecting employees for redundancy, dealing with alternative employment, and seeking agreement to new terms of employment.
- Disability Discrimination Tribunal claim
On behalf of a well-known educational institution we successfully defended a long-running Tribunal claim for disability discrimination which gave rise to complex legal and factual issues. The claim was dismissed by the Tribunal (as was the appeal) which was an excellent outcome for our client in the difficult circumstances.
- Unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
We acted for a professional body in relation to a claim by a senior manager with a disability, whose claim was initially valued at over £1 million. The Claimant suffered a disability and the client had restructured. Our expert management of the matter secured an award of expenses against the individual and the Claimant was ultimately persuaded to withdraw her claim saving the client a considerable sum of money and potential reputational damage.
- Mediation
We helped an employer client manage a difficult dispute that arose between the Board and Chief Executive. Litigation is not always the best approach and on this occasion we worked with our client during a lengthy mediation process which ultimately repaired the relationship and created a strong strategy for the future.
- Industrial relations issues
The team have also acquired considerable expertise within the industrial relations context and have advised in relation to Collective Agreements and industrial action. We were instructed to advise a large employer involved in a complex industrial relations dispute involving terms and conditions of employment and related matters. This was extremely contentious and gave rise to a number of legal and practical issues. We assisted our client to resolve the dispute without recourse to litigation.
- Day to day HR issues
For many of our clients we act as trusted HR adviser giving support and advice in relation to HR and employment law issues that arise on a daily basis, whether in relation to attendance at work, discipline and grievance matters or whistleblowing.
- Training
The team has been called upon to provide training to clients in areas such as managing absence, respect at work, and performance management.
Team
Testimonials
Here is the latest Edition of BTO Employment News