The law and practice referred to in this article or webinar has been paraphrased or summarised. It might not be up-to-date with changes in the law and we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided at the time of reading. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice in relation to a specific set of circumstances.
Over recent years, employment law has become increasingly wide-ranging and ever more complex. Employment law is subject to constant change through legislation, the courts’ interpretation and even ministerial diktat. Consequently we assist employers in taking a pro-active approach in managing their employees and the working environment.
Our specialist employment solicitors have extensive experience in all aspects of employment law as it relates to the maintained sector, and our advice is tailored to the particular needs of our clients. We know that what is “right” for commercial organisations is not necessarily “right” for educational institutions whose culture is often so different. However, our expertise in the commercial sector can be of significant value to our education clients.
- Contracts and terms of employment (including STPCD, the Burgundy Book and the Green Book);
- Disciplinary, grievance and capability procedures;
- Equal opportunities, including defending equal pay litigation;
- Working time rules and calculations;
- Part time and fixed term employees;
- Age, disability, race, sex, sexual orientation and religious discrimination;
- Dismissals, including advice on unfair, constructive, wrongful, and redundancy dismissals;
- TUPE and related issues;
- Pensions – occupational, personal and public sector, including Teachers’ Pensions and the LGPS;
- Restrictive covenants;
- Family friendly working issues;
- Settlement agreements;
- Human rights;
- Employment of non-EEA nationals;
- Appraisal systems;
- Whistle blowing;
- Representation at employment tribunals.
Unusually for a firm of solicitors we have HR Advisers within our employment team who are able to assist our clients on day to day HR issues, providing employment advice, as well as on specific projects. The distinct advantage of this is that you know our HR Advisers have the full support of our experienced employment lawyers. For further information, see our HR Consultants brochure. Our HR Consultants are also able to provide bespoke Workplace Mediation and Strategic HR services.
We also provide and Education Retainer service offering an employment law “hotline” facility for clients through an annual retainer basis with a website retainer area, as well as a thrice-yearly newsletter and a monthly e-mail bulletin highlighting all of the latest important developments in employment law.
What our clients say
"Their legal advice is solid, clear and well expressed. They are also very good at confirming best practice and giving practical as well as legal advice on implementation."
Legal 500, 2021
What our clients say
"I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stone King since September 2015 and I can categorically say that from the outset and without exception, the organisation have provided outstanding advice, guidance and support.
"Also, any request made be it via telephone or email has brought an immediate response and always in a highly professional and robust manner. As a Principal of a very large Academy with over 2000 stakeholders directly linked to the business, this is exactly what you need and look for and is why I will continue to stay with and work alongside the superb organisation known as Stone King."
Carl Wakefield, Principal - Plume Academy, Maldon, Essex
What our clients say
"First and foremost they are excellent lawyers - they know the charity and education sectors really well."
Chambers - 2019
What our clients say
"Highlighted for its 'depth of expertise in education', Stone King LLP attracts praise for its 'extremely good response times' and 'outstanding level of service'."
Legal 500 - 2019
What our clients say
“I feel fellow school leaders need to be made aware that there is an absolutely brilliant company out there who will provide those key services at very competitive rates”
C A Wakefield - Maldon's Community Academy
What our clients say
“I feel fellow school leaders need to be made aware that there is an absolutely brilliant company out there who will provide those key services at very competitive rates”
C A Wakefield - Maldon's Community Academy
What our clients say
"They have a range of experts in a variety of legal fields whose expertise we can draw upon. Response times have been exemplary."
Chambers - 2014