Workplace Support
The employment team at Neumans LLP has experience in dealing with problems and situations that arise from the workplace and offer a great deal of support including drafting grievances, attending disciplinary hearings and preparing Tribunal claims.
Disciplinary Hearings and Internal Investigations
The employment team at Neumans LLP has experience in dealing with investigations and internal disciplinary hearings that involve Social Workers. We have represented and advised clients, from heads of service who are accused of managerial failings, to frontline Social Workers who are accused of negligent actions / omissions. We have advised and represented clients during the investigations stage and at internal disciplinary hearings (including providing legal representation).
If you have been suspended or are under investigation, please contact us as a matter of urgency. It is often beneficial to get advice at this stage, rather than waiting until the matter becomes external.
The investigations/disciplinary process can sometimes last for many months. During this time a Social Worker may be suspended (especially if it is a matter where gross misconduct is alleged). Inevitably and understandably, this will be an extremely stressful time for any Social Worker, as the allegations made often go to the heart of their professional practice. Having acted for and advised Social Workers, Neumans is well aware of the hard work that Social Workers undertake; and the dedication they show to their role; and are fully aware of the pressures facing Social Workers, including inadequate support and inadequate funding.
Legal Representation at Internal Disciplinary Hearings
There is no automatic right to legal representation at a disciplinary hearing. However recent case law (including Kulkarni V Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and R (X) v Governors of (X) School and (Y) Council) suggests that the law is moving towards allowing legal representation in certain circumstances, especially when the employment is regulated by an external body. Social Workers are regulated externally by the General Social Care Council (GSCC). Anything that occurs inside (or even outside) of employment that calls into question the suitability of a Social Worker to remain on the register can have far reaching GSCC consequences.
Grievances
We have advised and given assistance on workplace grievances. This has included drafting grievances, liaising with employers and attending grievance meetings, analyses of findings and using grievances as a basis for employment tribunal claims or settlements. We have been successful in crafting grievances and using them later on as the basis for favourable settlements.
Employment Tribunals
Neumans LLP has experience of dealing with a full range of Employment Tribunal matters. Recent instructions have included claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, sex discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, harassment / victimisation, allegations of whistle blowing (protected disclosures) and effective lack of TUPE consultation.
High Court / County Court
High Court / County Court claims can arise for a variety of reasons including situations arising from harassment / bullying, breach of contract, enforcement of restrictive covenants and injunctions.
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