Partner Article

Employment law packages can prove a false economy

A regional law firm has called on employers to ‘think twice’ before purchasing an ‘Employment Law Consultancy’ package.

Theresa Carling, Employment Solicitor with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, says the firm is taking over an increasing number of cases where the employer’s insurance package has not covered the company’s legal needs, or a poor level of service has compelled them to seek guidance elsewhere.

She commented: “A retained package of employment law support may sound ideal for your company, but we are witnessing many instances where it has proved to be a false economy.”

The problems faced by clients, which have prompted them to seek local legal guidance instead, have included finding that cases are not covered under the terms of the insurance, dealing with different contacts so no one person knows the case well enough, inexperienced advisors, and advisors with such large caseloads they do not have time to respond, keep the client updated or see if there is scope for early settlement to save management time.

Sara Mctrusty, HR Manager for MJF Cleaning Services in Darlington turned to Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors in similar circumstances. Sara said: “From the minute I changed to Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors I felt reassured and confident that the matter would be dealt with promptly and professionally, and that is exactly what happened. The communication, advice and support given instantly highlighted a massive gap, far greater than I would have imagined, when compared with the original consultancy’s advice and level of communication. With the consultancy, it felt like they were biased to the claimant rather than our company as their own client, and certainly were not viewing things from the client’s point of view or taking any great steps in assisting us to make sound business-based decisions.”

Glen Cowan, HR Co-ordinator with CBL Cable Limited in Hartlepool, also sought legal advice from Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors when their retained employment consultants appeared to be steering their claim towards a very expensive tribunal award, without providing the support and advice they needed.

Glen said: “Frustration with the service quickly led to us having no confidence in the legal team. We wondered whether there would be any benefit in having our case looked at by a specialist employment solicitor. With Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, we have received expert practical advice from an experienced lawyer who we can meet face to face, and who keeps us updated throughout the tribunal process, always with an eye on the commercial reality of the situation. We have a great working relationship with our solicitor who has taken time to understand the impact on our business. She has approached our case with our company in mind, giving our case enough thought to ensure that we are fully protected and properly advised, quickly and effectively.”

Theresa concluded: “Without taking time to get to know the client and the case, how can an advisor build the required trust needed to work on such cases? It is vital to appreciate the impact on a business of a tribunal, especially the management time required in response.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is the Tees Valley’s largest full service law firm with offices in Wynyard Park, Stockton on Tees, Hartlepool and Barnard Castle. It has a multi-disciplinary business law team, based at Wynyard Park, offering expertise in fields including commercial property, mergers acquisitions and disposals, intellectual property, employment and dispute resolution. For further advice, contact Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors on 01740 646000 or see www.tbilaw.co.uk .

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .