What can an employment lawyer do for me?

Individuals with expertise in different areas can support you with different problems at work - but if you need an employment lawyer, how much do you really know about what they can do for you?

The assistance of a legal expert can help both employers and employees to confidently manage challenging work-related situations - and the most difficult ones.

Employment law is complex, vast and ever changing. For example, the Employment Rights Bill is expected to become law later this year, introducing new and important changes to employment law https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3737. Most changes will happen in 2026 and 2027.

It does mean an area of law that is already complicated will change with ramifications for all parties involved in a working relationship. So whether it is a problem with a dismissal, a contract, discrimination,  whistleblowing or redundancy, the assistance and expertise of an employment lawyer can be, and will be, invaluable for employers and employees.

That value to employers was evident in the case of a former AA boss who is reported to have brought a £225m claim against the motoring organisation after his sacking https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/apr/17/ousted-aa-boss-launches-225m-claim-after-sacking. The work of the legal team representing the AA led to the claim being rejected https://www.matrixlaw.co.uk/news/court-of-appeal-dismisses-appeal-in-wrongful-dismissal-case-and-upholds-least-burdensome-principle/#:~:text=The%20Court%20of%20Appeal%20has,judgment%20can%20be%20found%20here.

While the work of lawyers supporting a former council employee was key in securing what was a record compensation award of £4.6m for a claim she brought against her employer after being sacked when she developed PTSD supporting Grenfell Tower victims https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68612551.

The cases referred to are clearly exceptional. However, as an employer or employee, knowing exactly how an employment lawyer can help you with a workplace issue is always going to be beneficial. Here we take a closer look.

Employment law

Employment law covers everything to do with the workplace from hiring and contracts to disputes and dismissals.

Employment lawyers help a wide range of clients, including big international companies, government bodies, charities and everyday individuals.

Their work usually falls into two main areas. Helping employees understand and protect their rights and advising employers on their responsibilities and how to stay within the law.

Employment law includes both contract rules and legal rights, some of which come from European law. In fact, recent changes and future and proposed changes have a European influence. https://www.theemployerreport.com/2025/06/navigating-europes-evolving-employment-law-landscape-a-mid-year-update-for-global-employers/

Navigating a legal minefield

For the average person employment law can seem like a confusing mixture  of statutory rules, case law and contractual obligations.

It can feel complex, especially for an employee who simply wants to go to work do a good job and get paid. So, it is an area in which the expertise and assistance of an employment lawyer can be invaluable. They can clearly explain the law and detail how it relates to any particular situation of importance or concern that can affect an employee’s working life, and help them to make well-informed decisions. 

For Employees

Employment contract

Being offered a new job is always an exciting time and one to celebrate. But how many new recruits actually take time to carefully read and understand every detail of the legally binding employment contract they have just signed and accepted?

It is often when things go wrong, or are about to go wrong, that the words ‘well check your contract’ leads to the document being given the type of scrutiny it merited much earlier.

An employment lawyer can support an employee in reviewing and negotiating a contract when it is first offered, in order to ensure it is fair and legally sound.

Unlawful treatment at work

If an employee is subjected to any type of discrimination at work as a direct result of a protected characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010 e.g. disability, race, religion, age etc, an employment lawyer can advise and help an employee to take appropriate legal action to address the matter https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/4.

They can assist an employee on how to initially raise the matter with their employer, typically by submitting a formal grievance, help to gather evidence and if the concern cannot be resolved satisfactorily then prepare a claim for an employment tribunal.

Dismissal

Being dismissed from a job in any circumstances can be devastating and that feeling is intensified if it is in a manner that is unfair.

Whatever the reason for the decision being taken, an employment lawyer can advise you on the legality of the decision. This could be in a case in which a redundancy consultation and selection process are unfair, or in a disciplinary case that has resulted in dismissal and the outcome is unjust.

Whistleblowers

It takes courage to report serious wrongdoing at work and doing so can often lead to an employee facing retaliation. Whistleblowers who make a protected disclosure are protected by law and should not be treated unfairly or lose their job because they blow the whistle.

An employment lawyer can advise a whistleblower to help to ensure they are not retaliated against and can help them to pursue legal action if they are.

Any workplace concern

There are a range of problems that can arise at work that will not involve dismissal or discrimination, but may pose a risk to an employee’s job security or affect their wellbeing. It could be bullying, excessive workload or being unreasonably blocked from promotion, an employment lawyer can help and offer advice on  raising a grievance and pursuing a resolution.

For employers

Contracts and policies

Employment lawyers can help to draft the right legal terms for a job in an employment contract and to produce workplace policies that guide everyday behaviour and decision-making.

Contracts and policies provide an essential structure in the working relationship, protect rights, and help to effectively manage any work-related problems that may occur, so ensuring they are produced correctly and legally compliant is vital.

Managing dismissal

Tackling employee misconduct or underperformance is not always straightforward. Any process that can lead to dismissal can be problematic for an employer, regardless of the size of the organisation.

The process conducted and ensuring it is fair is important in such situations. The key role an employment lawyer can play in guiding an employer through investigations, hearings, issuing warnings, and fair dismissal, can help to avoid later stressful and costly legal proceedings.

Employment tribunal

The reality is that not every situation in the workplace can be resolved internally. In which case a matter could lead to an employment tribunal claim for any number of reasons. Figures published this year show the most common tribunal claims are for unfair dismissal, discrimination and disputes over wages https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2025/tribunal-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2025.

If an employee brings a claim against an employer, an employment lawyer can represent the organisation in the subsequent legal proceedings. They can prepare a response to the claim or advise on if a settlement agreement is a good option and if it makes commercial sense https://castleassociates.org.uk/employment-law-a-z/settlement-agreements.

Job cuts

These are challenging financial times for many employers and the need to urgently  review operations, downsize, restructure or reduce employee numbers, brings with it certain legal risks. Employment lawyers can play a pivotal role in ensuring any redundancy process is legally compliant and fair.

Transfers and mergers

TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) rules apply if an employer is taking over another business and staff are transferring, an employment lawyer can ensure employee rights are protected and the process is legally sound https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers.

Finally

So, if you are an aggrieved employee seeking justice for a work-related matter or employer who wants to ensure it is doing thing correctly, employment lawyers can expertly help you to navigate the legal complexities of the situation.

They can provide clarity at what can be a time of great confusion and worry, reassuring protection when feeling vulnerable and confidence at what can be a time of great uncertainty.

Getting the right legal advice early, whether employee or employer, to prevent a workplace situation getting out of control is always a good move.