a cost effective solution for employers

Why use Sills & Betteridge for your employment law advice?

We recognise that employment law is a complex area, and one which is changing at an increasing pace. It is an area where specialism and experience are vital, and where you need a personal and accessible service which meets the needs of your business.

Why does my business need the support of employment law specialists?

New legislation is increasing the obligations on employers, and the number of employment related claims is increasing year on year. The maximum compensation for unfair dismissal is now over £50,000 and discrimination cases have uncapped levels of compensation. Not only are direct financial costs huge, but the indirect costs in wasted management time, loss of productivity, as well as damage to reputation and staff morale can be incalculable.

How can Sills & Betteridge help your business?

Just like any other aspect of your business, employment law risks need careful management and control to reduce the likelihood and severity of any disputes. To help employers plan effectively for this area of the business we have devised our 'Employment Law Essentials' an employment law package designed to give your business a comprehensive range of services for an annual fixed fee.

What is included in Employment Law Essentials?

We have designed a package with a three tiered approach:

Employment audit

We provide a framework for auditing your employment practices and procedures, so that risks are reduced from the earliest opportunity in the recruitment process. We will advise you where we believe your policies need updating and amending, and will provide you with new standard forms where necessary. We will look at:

• Statements of Terms and Conditions of Employment
• Disciplinary and grievance and appeals procedures
• Data protection policy
• Equal Opportunities

This initial phase creates a mutually beneficial working relationship between us: we develop an understanding of how your business works and the sort of issues you might face in the future, you become accustomed to using us as your advisors in all aspects of employment law.

Advice and support

Employment related issues that go unchecked can all too easily cause major difficulties: by dealing with anything that arises promptly and professionally we aim to reduce risks to a minimum. Your annual package will entitle you to advice via the telephone from members of our employment law team. You can contact us with any employment law issue. You will have access to a password protected website containing new and important information for employers. You will receive our new quarterly newsletter "Employment Law Essentials".

Insurance protection

The final part of the annual package comprises an insurance policy which provides wide protection for most employers. Designed by a specialist employment law insurer it offers protection against employment practice violation claims. The policy covers:

• Your legal costs
• Any costs you are ordered to pay
• Employment Tribunal compensation awards*
• The costs of defending appeals to the Employment Appeals Tribunal

* (awards relating to the failure to pay wages lawfully due and some unusual awards are excluded-full details on request)

What will it cost?

The price for Employment Law Essentials is a percentage of your annual payroll depending on your employment claims history. For most employers the fee (excluding VAT) will be:-

Employment Law Essentials is subject to our terms and conditions and insurer's policy terms. The minimum fee is £1000 +VAT.

Employment Law Essentials is also available without insurance protection.

What do I need to do now?

Every business is different and your needs in this area will be unique. We would be very pleased to discuss Employment Law Essentials further and to provide a quotation for the annual package. If you would like us to call you to arrange an appointment please complete the contact form You can also call Shan Jaehrig to arrange a meeting.