No Time to run your business? It's our business to help.

A group of business men and women around a table having a meeting.

We solve your employment law issues to help you get on with business.

Neil Coombes has helped local huddersfield businesses and indeed businesses across Yorkshire maintain compliance with the changing face of employment legislation

For many businesses, the task of managing their employment law responsibilities is a major concern . We are here to ensure that you do not have to give up precious time on employment law issues, that you would rather be dedicating to your business.

Neil Coombes

Neil Coombes is a very experienced solicitor, with a masters degree in employment law. He has been advising and representing businesses for 26 years helping them comply with their Employment Law obligations. He has been involved in cases at every level from Employment Tribunals; Employment Appeal Tribunal; to The High Court and The Court of Appeal.

We offer a tailored service

We offer bespoke employment law advice in a package that can be shaped to suit the needs of your business, small or large:

  • STARTER PACKAGE    It may simply be that you need access to an employment law advice line, allowing you to discuss any issues that concern you and receive verbal advice over the telephone.

  • INTERMEDIATE PACKAGE   You may require a more in depth service, including regular appraisals of policy documents, employment contracts etc.

  • FULL PACKAGE   Then of course there are instances when you need a solicitor to help you with ongoing disciplinary issues or litigation. (These can all be included as part of a package; or we can help on a one off basis with any of the above requirements).

For a no obligation, confidential consultation on how we can assist your business to comply with its employment law obligations, or to resolve any current employment issues you may have; contact Neil Coombes by email: mail@ncoombes.co.uk, or telephone: 01484 303585.

Our Areas of Expertise

Documentation

We assist and advise on the drafting of all HR related documentation, ensuring that it follows current legislation, so avoiding issues with non-compliance. These include: contracts of employment; policy documents and handbooks; and post termination restrictive covenants, for example.

TUPE

Our employment advice takes account of a business as a whole in the context of take overs, mergers, reorganisations, and transfer and insolvency procedures.

Work Time Regulations

Employees are becoming more and more aware of their rights and therefore it is crucial that businesses are equally aware of their obligations with regard to these regulations. We offer clear simple advice with regard to this on issues such as holiday and rest break entitlements etc.

Family Friendly Regulations

We offer clear guidelines on how to conform with the latest regulations with regard to employees rights in relation to such issues as paternity and maternity leave, compassionate leave, and so on...

Disciplinary and Grievance Issues

Again, we work closely with employers, advising in instances where disciplinary and grievance procedures have needed to be instigated against employees. We can ensure that you follow accepted codes of conduct and relevant regulations, thus avoiding potential tribunal claims.

Defending Claims and Tribunal/Court Representation

We appreciate that having to defend a claim brought against a business can be time consuming and expensive. In this regard we are able to offer our expertise on a fixed fee basis to remove any problems with ongoing finance costs. We will represent you at the hearing or instruct a barrister on your behalf at very competitive fees. Please see separate costing information page.

Redundancy Procedure

In our experience, redundancy can present a problem for employers because it is a 'no fault' dismissal. Many employers use redundancy as a means to soften the blow in circumstances where there is no legitimate redundancy situation. Do not fall into this trap, as litigation may well follow for unfair dismissal. We can help you understand the legal definition of redundancy and advise you on how to proceed with the process in a manner which follows accepted codes.

Settlement Agreements

A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement with a soon to depart employee. In signing the agreement, the employee forfeits the right to bring most kinds of claim against their employer relating to their employment. This is usually acceptable as the employer, in return, makes some kind of offer to them. This is often an ex-gratia payment, over and above what they would normally receive under their contract, or according to statute; it could involve providing a reference, or extended use of company property such as a car or computer.

Post-Termination Restrictive Covenants

It is extremely important that you protect your business from departing employees taking your coustomers, suppliers, or other employees with them when they leave, and potentially setting up in direct competition against you. It is not dramatic to say that this might finish a business overnight. Courts were initially reluctant to enforce what is essentially a restraint of trade, but are now becoming more willing to enforce reasonable restrictions that protect the legitimate business interests of the employer. It is therefore vital that specialist advice is obtained to protect an employer's interest in this area.