In brief
When an employment relationship is ending or changing, a lot is at stake for both sides. I advise both employers and employees on process, documents and negotiations, so the matter is resolved properly.
Typical situations
- You are an employer considering a dismissal and want to get it right from the first meeting.
- You have been called to a consultation meeting and want to know your rights.
- A severance package is being negotiated, and you want to know what is reasonable.
- The company is restructuring or downsizing and needs a proper process.
- You need employment contracts that actually protect the company.
How it works
- ReviewI go through the matter, the agreements and what has happened so far.
- AssessmentYou get an assessment of where you stand and what your options are.
- Meetings and documentsI prepare you for consultation meetings, draft notices, minutes and settlement agreements, or take part myself.
- NegotiationI negotiate the solution, whether it is a severance package or an agreement on continued work.
Good to have ready
- Employment contract and any amendments
- Notices, minutes and emails about the matter
- Salary and bonus terms
- A timeline of what has happened
In employment law, the process is often as important as the result. Errors in a dismissal process can make an otherwise justified dismissal invalid.
Common questions
Can I bring someone to the consultation meeting?
Section 15-1 of the Working Environment Act says the consultation is held with the employee and the employee's union representative. It is common and advisable for the employee to bring an adviser as well, and most employers accept this.
What is a reasonable severance package?
It depends on length of service, notice period, the strength of the case and the situation of both parties. There is no fixed norm, and it should be assessed case by case.
Does a dismissal have to be in writing?
Yes. It must be in writing, delivered in person or sent by registered mail, and include information about the right to demand negotiations and bring legal action, and the deadlines for doing so.
Price
Once I have looked at the matter, you get a fixed price for the engagement before any work starts. You know what it will cost, with no surprises.