Practice Area
Employment law solicitors in Leeds
We advise employees and employers across West Yorkshire on unfair dismissal, discrimination, settlement agreements, tribunal representation, and HR matters.
Halloran Pike Solicitors advises employees and employers across West Yorkshire on unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, settlement agreements, and employment tribunal representation. We are based in Leeds city centre.
We advise employees and employers across West Yorkshire on unfair dismissal, discrimination, settlement agreements, tribunal representation, and HR matters.
Legal expertise
Unfair Dismissal
Advice and representation for employees dismissed without fair reason or fair procedure, and employers facing tribunal claims.
Advice and representation for employees dismissed without fair reason or fair procedure, and employers facing tribunal claims.
Workplace Discrimination
Claims under the Equality Act 2010 covering all nine protected characteristics, from initial advice through to tribunal.
Claims under the Equality Act 2010 covering all nine protected characteristics, from initial advice through to tribunal.
Settlement Agreements
Independent legal advice on settlement agreements for employees, and drafting and negotiation for employers.
Independent legal advice on settlement agreements for employees, and drafting and negotiation for employers.
Tribunal Representation
Representation at the Employment Tribunal in Leeds and across England and Wales, from preliminary hearings to final hearing.
Representation at the Employment Tribunal in Leeds and across England and Wales, from preliminary hearings to final hearing.
HR Advice for Employers
Practical employment law advice for businesses on disciplinaries, grievances, redundancy, and TUPE.
Practical employment law advice for businesses on disciplinaries, grievances, redundancy, and TUPE.
How we work
Three stages, every matter
We listen
We take the full facts, review your documents, and identify the legal issues at the initial consultation, not after several exchanges.
We take the full facts, review your documents, and identify the legal issues at the initial consultation, not after several exchanges.
Options and costs
We set out your realistic options and the likely cost of each. We include the downside scenarios, not just the best case.
We set out your realistic options and the likely cost of each. We include the downside scenarios, not just the best case.
You decide
Once you have the full picture, the decision is yours. If you want to proceed, we file promptly and keep you informed at every stage.
Once you have the full picture, the decision is yours. If you want to proceed, we file promptly and keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently asked questions
What is unfair dismissal under English law?
Dismissal is unfair under the Employment Rights Act 1996 when an employer either lacks a valid reason for the dismissal or acts unreasonably in carrying out an otherwise valid reason. Valid reasons include conduct, capability, redundancy, statutory restriction, and some other substantial reason.
What counts as workplace discrimination?
Workplace discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 occurs when an employee is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic. The nine protected characteristics are age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, and marriage and civil partnership.
What is a settlement agreement and do I need legal advice?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract that ends the employment relationship and waives the employee's right to bring claims at tribunal. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, an employee must receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor before signing; without that advice the agreement is not binding.
How does tribunal representation work?
Employment Tribunal claims in England follow a set procedural sequence: Acas early conciliation, submission of the ET1 claim form, response by the employer on form ET3, case management, and then a final hearing. Simple claims typically take 12 to 18 months from submission to final hearing.
Can my employer force me to accept a settlement agreement?
Your employer cannot force you to sign a settlement agreement. You always have the right to refuse, seek independent advice, and negotiate terms.
A solicitor can review the offer and advise whether it fairly reflects your position.
Do I need a solicitor for an employment tribunal?
You are not required to have a solicitor for an employment tribunal. Many people represent themselves, and we will tell you honestly whether paying for representation is likely to be worth it in your case.
How long does an employment tribunal claim take in England?
Simple employment tribunal claims in England typically take 12 to 18 months from claim submission to final hearing. More complex cases involving multiple issues or preliminary hearings can take longer.
How much compensation can I receive for unfair dismissal?
Unfair dismissal compensation in England comprises a basic award (calculated by age, length of service, and weekly pay) and a compensatory award for actual financial loss. The combined cap is reviewed annually by the government.
What is the time limit for making an employment tribunal claim?
In most cases you must submit an employment tribunal claim within three months less one day of the act you are complaining about. Early conciliation with Acas pauses this deadline, so it is important to act quickly.
What counts as unfair dismissal in the UK?
Dismissal is unfair when an employer lacks a valid reason recognised by the Employment Rights Act 1996, or acts unreasonably in carrying out an otherwise valid reason. Valid reasons include conduct, capability, redundancy, and statutory restriction.
What counts as workplace discrimination under UK law?
Workplace discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 occurs when an employee is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic such as age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or maternity.
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee that ends the employment relationship and waives the employee's right to bring tribunal claims. The employee must receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor before signing, which employers typically fund.