Is a research post that has been renewed every year for six years really a temporary job? Academics and support staff at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University put that question to employment solicitors in Bath regularly, and the answer, about fixed-term contracts, permanence and redundancy at the end of funding, shapes a surprising number of the city's tribunal claims. The universities are two of Bath's largest employers, and their restructurings, grievance procedures and settlement agreements provide steady work for solicitors acting for staff and for the institutions themselves.
The rest of the city's workforce is varied. The Royal United Hospital generates whistleblowing, disability and long-term sickness cases. The water company, the engineering consultancies and the publishing and software businesses based in Bath bring restrictive covenant disputes, bonus arguments and the settlement agreements that accompany a senior departure. Hotels, restaurants, the spa and the shops of Milsom Street and SouthGate employ thousands of people on hourly and seasonal contracts, with wage, holiday pay and tips questions to match. A large number of Bath residents commute to Bristol or London, and their disputes are handled from Bath just the same.
Tribunal claims from Bath are heard in Bristol, after Acas early conciliation that must start within three months less one day after the dismissal or other act being complained about. Many hearings are now by video, but a solicitor who appears regularly in the Bristol tribunal will know its judges and its listing practice.
Settlement agreement advice is usually paid for by the employer. First meetings are often free, and strong claims may be taken on a no-win, no-fee basis or funded by legal expenses insurance on a household policy. Employers, especially small ones, can buy fixed-fee retainers for contracts, handbooks and disciplinary advice.
Employment solicitors serving Bath are listed below, verified firms first and then by distance. See the general guide to employment law solicitors, the explainer on what employment law is, and for employers the business law solicitors in Bath page.
