This document provides information about employment law and what solicitors can do to assist employers and employees. It discusses drafting employment contracts and policies, assisting with disciplinary procedures, and representing clients in employment tribunals and courts. It also warns about serial litigants who exploit employment laws and provides time limits for various employment claims and tips for proper documentation and legal advice. Contact information is given at the end.

1. Michael ScuttDale Langley & Co 60 Lombard Street London EC3V 9EA

2. What do solicitors do? 68% - YouGov, Jan 2010 27/04/2010 2

3. For Employers and Employees Draft contracts of employment/handbooks Assist with disciplinary and grievance procedures Advise on all issues of employment law Represent employers in Tribunal and Courts Mediation Draft Compromise Agreements 27/04/2010 3

4. It’s a jungle out there ... “A SERIAL litigant is believed to have earned thousands of pounds by bombarding employers with claims of ageism simply because they used the words “school leaver” or “recent graduate” in job advertisements..” “Once the firm becomes aware of the action, Berry emails his targets to warn them they can avoid an employment tribunal only by making him a “settlement” payment of up to £3,500.” - The Sunday Times 7/2/10 27/04/2010 4

5. Some Time Limits Unfair Dismissal – 12 months min service req’d Breach of Contract – no min, 6 years in CC/HC Discrimination – age, race, sex, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation. No min qualifying service needed Most ET claims have to be brought within 3 months of the incident 27/04/2010 5

6. Top Tips Have the right documentation in place Contracts of Employment/s.1 statements/staff handbooks/policies Take legal/HR advice before problems escalate Compromise Agreements Be consistent 27/04/2010 6

7. Links & Blogs www.dalelangley.co.uk www.acas.org.uk http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073858787 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/index.htm Jobsworth = www.michaelscutt.co.uk 27/04/2010 7

8. Contact (t) 0207 464 8616 (f) 0207 464 8659 michaelscutt@dalelangley.co.uk @michaelscutt Skype = michael.scutt1 Linked In/Facebook 27/04/2010 8