Dispute Resolution & Litigation Solicitors
Employment
- Resolve employment disputes promptly and professionally with experienced legal assistance.
- Legal consulting, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution services.
Employment Dispute Resolution for London Businesses and Their People
When an employment dispute arises, how you handle it in the early stages can determine everything that follows. At Gurve Legal, our employment dispute resolution solicitors in London work with businesses, employers, and employees to resolve workplace disputes as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, whether through early negotiation, ACAS conciliation, mediation, or Employment Tribunal proceedings.
We act for both employers and employees, which gives us a genuine understanding of how disputes develop from both sides. For SMEs and growing businesses in particular, we know that an unresolved employment dispute can be disruptive, costly, and damaging to team morale. Our approach is to intervene early, assess the merits honestly, and pursue the outcome that makes commercial sense for your situation.
If litigation is unavoidable, our team will represent you with full preparation and clear strategy. If there is a better route to resolution, we will find it.
Our Employment Dispute Resolution Services
ACAS Early Conciliation
Before most Employment Tribunal claims can proceed, both parties must go through ACAS Early Conciliation. Getting proper legal advice at this stage is critical. We advise employers and employees on how to approach conciliation, what to accept, and when to hold firm. Many disputes are resolved here, saving significant time and cost.
- Advice on ACAS conciliation strategy for employers and employees
- Reviewing and negotiating settlement terms during conciliation
- Assessing the merits and risks of the claim before conciliation concludes
- Guidance on the implications of accepting or rejecting conciliated terms
Employment Tribunal Representation
If a claim proceeds to the Employment Tribunal, thorough preparation is essential. We represent employers defending claims and employees bringing them across the full range of tribunal matters. Our team handles everything from claim submission and response to witness statements, document bundles, and the final hearing.
- Drafting and submitting ET1 claims and ET3 responses
- Preparing witness statements and hearing bundles
- Preliminary hearing preparation and attendance
- Representation at final tribunal hearings
- Appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal
Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal Claims
Dismissal disputes are among the most common employment claims employers face. Whether you are an employer defending a claim or an employee who has been dismissed without proper justification, we advise on the merits, the process, and the most practical route to resolution. Our unfair dismissal solicitors handle straightforward and complex matters alike.
- Advising employers on fair dismissal procedures before and after the fact
- Defending unfair and wrongful dismissal claims at tribunal
- Advising employees on whether they have a viable claim
- Negotiating settlement agreements to avoid tribunal proceedings
Discrimination and Whistleblowing Claims
Discrimination and whistleblowing disputes carry higher stakes, both financially and reputationally. We advise employers on reducing their exposure, responding to claims robustly, and ensuring internal processes are defensible. We also advise employees who have faced less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic or a protected disclosure. Our employment discrimination solicitors work alongside our dispute team on complex cases.
- Claims under the Equality Act 2010 across all nine protected characteristics
- Whistleblowing disputes and automatic unfair dismissal claims
- Employer advice on responding to and investigating discrimination allegations
- Harassment and bullying claims for both parties
Settlement Agreements and Negotiated Exits
Many employment disputes are resolved without ever reaching a tribunal. A well-drafted settlement agreement provides certainty for both parties and avoids the time and cost of litigation. We advise employers and employees on the terms of settlement, what protections they need, and whether a proposed agreement properly reflects the value of the claim. See our settlement agreement solicitors page for more detail.
- Drafting and reviewing settlement agreements for employers and employees
- Negotiating exit terms and compromise arrangements
- Advising on confidentiality, reference, and post-termination clauses
- Independent legal advice certificates for employees
Disciplinary and Grievance Disputes
Poorly handled disciplinary or grievance procedures are one of the most common routes into Employment Tribunal claims. We advise employers on running fair and legally defensible processes, and we advise employees when they believe those processes have been mishandled. Our disciplinary and grievance solicitors can advise at any stage of the process.
- Employer advice on disciplinary hearing procedures and outcomes
- Advising employees on grievance responses and next steps
- Reviewing investigation reports and outcome letters for legal risk
- Representation at internal hearings and appeals
Redundancy and Restructuring Disputes
Redundancy processes that are not properly managed expose employers to unfair dismissal claims, discrimination allegations, and reputational damage. We work with businesses going through restructuring or workforce reduction to ensure the process is legally sound. We also advise employees who believe their redundancy was not genuine or was carried out unfairly. Our wider business restructuring team supports more complex organisational change.
- Employer advice on fair redundancy selection and consultation
- Collective consultation obligations for larger redundancy programmes
- Advising employees on challenging a redundancy or negotiating enhanced terms
- TUPE advice in the context of business transfers and restructuring
Why Choose Gurve Legal for Employment Dispute Resolution
We Act for Both Sides
Unlike firms that only advise employers or only advise employees, Gurve Legal acts for both. This gives us a genuine understanding of how disputes look from each perspective. When advising an employer, we know exactly the arguments an employee’s solicitor is likely to make. That insight makes our advice sharper and our preparation stronger.
Practical Advice for SMEs and Growing Businesses
Employment litigation can feel disproportionately burdensome for smaller businesses. We understand the operational pressures on SMEs and tailor our advice accordingly, focusing on commercially sensible outcomes rather than running up costs. We will tell you honestly when fighting a claim is the right approach and when settling is the smarter decision.
Early Intervention to Avoid Unnecessary Litigation
The best employment dispute is one resolved before it becomes a formal claim. We advise clients at the earliest possible stage, helping to defuse disputes through clear communication, fair process, and well-structured settlement terms. Getting advice early typically costs far less and produces better outcomes than waiting until proceedings are underway.
Employment Law as Part of a Broader Commercial Picture
Employment disputes rarely exist in isolation. They often arise in the context of business restructuring, departing senior employees, or commercial disagreements that have spilled into the employment relationship. As a full-service commercial firm, we can bring in colleagues from our restructuring and dispute resolution teams where the situation requires it, providing joined-up advice rather than piecemeal guidance.
Speak to Our Employment Dispute Solicitors Today
Whether you are an employer facing a tribunal claim, an employee considering your options, or a business looking to resolve a workplace dispute before it escalates, Gurve Legal can help. Our employment dispute resolution solicitors in London provide clear, practical advice from the outset.
Call us: +44 207 566 1188
Email us: info@gurvelegal.com