Employment Law Solicitors for Employers in Derby

Employment contracts and workplace policies

Employment contracts and workplace policies play an important role in setting expectations and supporting effective day-to-day management. Our employment contract specialists advise businesses on drafting, reviewing, and updating employment contracts, staff handbooks, and workplace policies that reflect how the organisation operates while meeting current legal requirements.

We help make sure that your contracts clearly outline roles, responsibilities, notice arrangements, confidentiality obligations, and, where appropriate, post-employment restrictions. The focus is always on clarity and usability, giving managers documents they can confidently rely on rather than paperwork that feels overly technical or difficult to apply in practice. We also review existing contracts and policies to make sure they remain suitable as your business grows, restructures, or changes how it works.

Clear documentation supports consistent decision-making across the business and provides a reliable reference point when workplace issues arise. It also helps create a fair and transparent working environment, giving employers confidence when managing staff and addressing concerns in a structured and professional way.

Managing dismissals, exits, and workplace disputes

Handling dismissals and employee exits can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a business, particularly where emotions are high or the legal risks are unclear. Our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby provide practical guidance on performance-related dismissals, misconduct issues, redundancy processes, and more complex situations such as whistleblowing concerns or senior executive exits. We understand the need to act decisively while still following the correct legal steps, and we help you strike that balance to minimise the risk of unfair dismissal or discrimination claims.

Where disputes arise, we work with you to resolve matters as early and proportionately as possible, whether through internal procedures, negotiation, or settlement agreements. When settlement agreements are appropriate, we handle the process carefully to ensure they are legally compliant, commercially sensible, and provide certainty for both parties while protecting your business from future claims. We’ll help you manage difficult situations with confidence and clarity, while maintaining professionalism and protecting your organisation’s reputation.

Discrimination, equality, and risk prevention

Employment law risks are often highest where discrimination or equality issues arise, which is why prevention plays such an important role in protecting your business. Our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby support organisations in creating inclusive, legally compliant workplaces through clear policies, effective training, and robust procedures for handling complaints. Recognising any potential risks early helps us minimise claims and create a positive workplace. This way, we can tackle issues before they become bigger problems.

When discrimination or harassment allegations are made, we provide calm, objective advice to help you respond appropriately and defensibly. We support employers of all sizes through internal investigations, advise on next steps, and provide representation where claims progress to tribunal. Our approach focuses on defending your legal position while addressing underlying issues in a way that supports long-term workforce stability and compliance.

TUPE transfers and business change

Business change, whether through mergers, acquisitions, outsourcing, or restructuring, often brings complex employment law obligations. TUPE regulations in particular can create uncertainty and risk if not managed carefully. Our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby guide businesses through TUPE transfers, ensuring consultation requirements are met, employee rights are protected, and disruption to operations is kept to a minimum.

We help employers like you address the practical issues that come with a TUPE transfer, including how and when to communicate with staff, how contracts are affected, and how to manage workforce concerns. Our advice is focused on helping transitions run as smoothly as possible while reducing the risk of claims or longer-term employee relations issues.

Employment tribunal defence and investigations

When an employment tribunal claim is brought against your business, it can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly if not handled properly. Our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby provide robust tribunal defence, focusing on early resolution where appropriate, while preparing thoroughly for hearings when cases proceed. We advise on prospects, manage evidence carefully, and represent you confidently throughout the process, always keeping commercial outcomes in mind.

We also carry out independent workplace investigations into issues such as grievances, disciplinary concerns, and whistleblowing reports. Our role is to examine what has happened in a fair and balanced way, providing clear findings and practical recommendations to address the situation and prevent similar problems from arising again. Handling investigations properly is important, as it helps demonstrate that you have acted reasonably and can protect your business if decisions are later questioned.

Where to find our Derby employment law team

Our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby are based at Sterne House on Lodge Lane, just outside the city centre. From here, we provide businesses with clear, practical advice on managing employment issues and fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

Whether you are travelling by public transport, on foot, or by car, visiting the office is simple. There are regular bus services nearby, the city centre is only a short walk away, and if you are driving, it takes around seven minutes from the centre, with parking available close by, making it easy to fit a meeting around your working day.

Why choose Nelsons’ employment law solicitors in Derby?

For more than 40 years, our team at Nelsons has supported employers across Derby and the wider East Midlands, earning a reputation for combining legal expertise with an approachable, business-focused service. Our employment law team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for its work supporting employers and representing businesses in complex disputes, reflecting our commitment to achieving practical, effective outcomes.

We pride ourselves on offering advice that works in the real world, balancing legal compliance with commercial priorities. With clear pricing structures, fixed-fee options for routine matters, and transparent advice from the outset, we help you plan confidently and access expert support without unnecessary uncertainty. Above all, we aim to build long-term relationships, becoming a trusted adviser you can rely on whenever employment issues arise.

If you would like clear, practical advice on managing employment law issues within your business, our employment law solicitors for employers in Derby are here to help. Give our team a call on 0800 024 1976 or get in touch using our online enquiry form, and we’ll arrange a confidential discussion about how we can help.