Ranked By Legal 500 UK, Spears 500 UK and Chambers UK
We specialise in advising both employers and employees on the complexities of all aspects of employment law in the UK and the evolving obligations of the Employment Rights Act 2025, providing strategic guidance at every stage of the employment cycle.
We advise on all aspects of employment law, from initial appointment and contractual arrangements through to disciplinary matters, settlement negotiations, and dismissal. Our approach is rooted in providing commercial, pragmatic, and creative solutions, tailored to the unique pressures and priorities of each client.
Employment disputes often carry substantial confidentiality and reputational concerns for all parties involved. We understand the critical importance of discretion, strategic support, and rapid responsiveness. Working closely with our clients, we focus on achieving clear, agreed objectives while protecting personal, commercial, and reputational interests.
Our team litigates regularly in the Employment Tribunal, as well as in the Senior Courts and County Courts, ensuring robust representation at every level.
OUR EMPLOYMENT LAW SERVICES
Our specialist Employment team has a long-established reputation for acting in high-profile and sensitive cases, reported in the press, and for representing clients across a wide spectrum of sectors including financial services, retail and leisure, media, sport, manufacturing, and construction.
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Employment law is a complex and rapidly evolving field that demands specialist expertise, strategic insight, and a genuine understanding of your unique circumstances. At Payne Hicks Beach, our experienced solicitors will ensure your case benefits from fair and effective management.
Why Choose Payne Hicks Beach for Employment Law?
Recognised by all leading directories in the UK including Chambers UK, Legal 500 UK and Spears 500 for specialist expertise, strategic advice, and handling of high-complexity cases. Our partnership of experienced employment law specialists ensures you benefit from the best collective knowledge in the field.
We provide comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of employment law, advising business owners, HR directors, and in‑house legal teams on complex—often cross‑border—employment matters. Our specialist lawyers are particularly experienced in navigating the evolving obligations introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, ensuring employers remain compliant in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
At the same time, we deliver dedicated support to employees facing highly sensitive, challenging, or high‑stakes situations, safeguarding their rights and protecting their professional and personal interests.
Employment law cases often require input from other disciplines, including reputation and privacy, data protection, regulatory and investigations as well as immigration, succession planning and litigation services. As a multi-service firm we are able to offer comprehensive support in in every area of a business or individuals’ needs, delivering a coordinated strategy.
We understand that privacy and discretion are of critical importance to our clients. As well as being seasoned litigators we are also highly experienced in all aspects of Non-Court Dispute Resolution including arbitration, mediation and private hearings. We are committed to ensuring your privacy and reputation are protected throughout the process.
What Our Clients Say
Meet Our Award-Winning Employment Law Team
insights
March 02, 2026
Employment law expert James Townsend, Partner and Head of Employment at Payne Hicks Beach, has been...
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Employment Rights in 2026 – James Townsend and Ross Beaton for Law 360 UK
January 15, 2026
Employment experts James Townsend, Partner, and Ross Beaton have had their comments featured in mul...
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Labour accused of underestimating cost of workers’ rights reforms – James Townsend for The Telegraph
January 12, 2026
Employment expert James Townsend, Partner, is featured in The Telegraph’s article “Labour accuse...
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Frequently Asked Questions
We advise on the full spectrum of employment law matters, including contracts, workplace policies, discrimination, harassment, disciplinary and grievance procedures, redundancy, settlement agreements, dismissals, and Employment Tribunal claims.
Yes. We represent employers of all sizes – from small businesses to large organisations – as well as individual employees, senior executives, and partners. This dual perspective helps us provide commercially aware and pragmatic advice.
You should seek advice as soon as an employment issue arises, whether you are anticipating a problem or responding to one. Early guidance can help protect your position, reduce risk, and ensure you make informed decisions.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee used to resolve workplace issues or to formalise the terms of an employee’s departure. Employees must receive independent legal advice before signing, and we regularly advise both parties on their rights and obligations.
Strict time limits apply. In most cases, you must start the ACAS Early Conciliation process within three months less one day from the date of the event you are complaining about (such as dismissal or discriminatory act). Because deadlines are short, it is important to seek legal advice promptly.
Absolutely. We draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts, service agreements, consultancy agreements, and restrictive covenants to ensure they are clear, compliant, and tailored to your needs.
We offer transparent fee structures. Costs will always be discussed upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
It is helpful to bring any relevant documents, such as your employment contract, emails or letters relating to the issue, meeting notes, and any workplace policies that may apply. A clear timeline of events can also be useful.
Yes. All discussions with our lawyers are strictly confidential, whether you instruct us directly or are simply seeking an initial consultation.
You can contact us by phone, email, or via our online enquiry form. A member of our team will discuss your situation and guide you through the next steps.
