Employment Law & HR
Taking care of employment law issues in any organisation, large or small, can be a time-consuming and difficult task.
If you don’t employ an in-house team, or your team don’t have the necessary expertise to deal with more complex matters, our pragmatic Employment Law & HR support takes the hassle out of managing employee issues and minimises your risk of an Employment Tribunal claim.
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COVID-19 | FREE expert guidance for employers, including sample policies, template risk assessments and more
Fixed-Fee Service
Unlimited advice from dedicated experts, bespoke document drafting and all the tools you need to manage people problems quickly and compliantly.
HR Training
Created and delivered by experienced consultants, our interactive HR training workshops are designed to upskill your team and develop manager confidence.
HR Consultancy
Facing a difficult employee dilemma that you don’t want to deal with alone? Our range of HR Consultancy services give you hands-on support from seasoned HR specialists.
95% Client satisfaction rate - 97% Client retention rate
Experts in Employment Law & HR
Why choose us?
At Ellis Whittam, we’re known for our bespoke service and the quality of our support. Not only is our expertise unmatched, but we take the time to know you so that we can function as a true extension of your team.
- Your own small team of dedicated experts
- Commercial, pragmatic advice tailored to you
- Bespoke contracts, policies and handbooks
- Trusted by over 35,000 organisations
- Recognised as a leading firm by the Legal 500
Who you'll be working with
James Tamm
Director of Legal Services
Kim Clarke
Head of Team
Toyah Marshall
Principal Employment Law Adviser
Colleague Spotlight
Adele Blinkhorn
HR Consultancy Manager
Client stories
“
Our relationship with WorkNest is more like a supportive partnership. They treat us like peers, and yet provide extraordinary support whenever we need it. Whether it is about the challenges of working through a pandemic or building a new HR strategy, the people at WorkNest have been kind, holding our hand when that was needed (and it was!) and skilled
experts, providing guidance as we required it. We would not have managed through this last period without them, and I look forward to more of this cooperation ahead.”
“
WorkNest supports our 280 staff members with Employment Law and Health & Safety and has provided quality management training too.”
Lisa Best
Head of Service Delivery, Catalyst Choice
“
We get a great deal of comfort and satisfaction knowing that we have support as and when we need it, in a decisive and responsive way.”
Richard Berry
Group HR Director, Culina Group
“
We moved our legal support to WorkNest (formerly Law at Work) having previously used a time and line law firm. It was important, though, that an all-inclusive fee structure did not come at the expense of quality. Thankfully we’ve been delighted with the service we’ve received from WorkNest.”
Chief Executive
Waverley Care
“
What we recognised in WorkNest is the background that they have. They are able to supply knowledge and experience in a number of disciplines, which enables us to develop our business in a way that’s safe, to do it on time and with a quality to it.”
Debbie Rainbow
Director of Human Resources and Health & Safety,
Bluestone National Park Resort
“
Celia McKeon
Chief Executive, The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT)
“
As the company started to get larger, we knew we had to protect our employees and our contractors both onsite and in the offices. WorkNest is exactly what we needed to move the company forward.”
Joanne Beaver
Operations Director, Beaverfit
“
Pineapple have worked with the team at WorkNest (formerly Law at Work) since 2003, and we have built a trusted partnership together. We particularly like WorkNest’s concise and practical advice concerning employment law/HR issues and also appreciate their totally supportive approach in all areas of health and safety.”
General Manager
Pineapple Dance Studios
Better with EW
Owing to our unrivalled support and expertise, we’re consistently high achievers when it comes to protecting organisations and achieving results.
6x
More solicitors
We have six times the number of qualified solicitors, practising for over five years, than any of our larger competitors. We’re also recognised by the Legal 500.
82%
Tribunal win rate
With a dedicated adviser in your corner to guide you through the process, you’re over eight times more likely to defeat a Tribunal claim if advised by Ellis Whittam.
300
Years' experience
Our Legal Team has a combined total of over 300 years’ experience of resolving problems, so you can be sure you’re receiving the best possible advice.
45%
Cheaper than a law firm
When we work out our fixed fees, we assume a charge rate that is typically 45% less than the hourly cost of a law firm, meaning you get exceptionally good value for money.
Proud to support over 35,000 UK employers
Resources
Explore Employment Law & HR news and resources
Don’t rely on AI | 5 areas where employers should exercise caution
BLOG Written by Amy Waters on 20 June 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming the way employers manage their operations, from streamlining recruitment to
Can employers lawfully demote employees?
BLOG When faced with performance or conduct issues, employers may look for alternatives to dismissal – one of which is demotion. This usually means reducing
HSE’s priorities for 2025/26 | What businesses need to know
BLOG Written by Nick Wilson on 29 May 2025 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its updated Local Authority Circular (LAC 67/2), outlining
WorkNest becomes part of Axiom GRC
BLOG Chester-based employment law, HR and health and safety specialist, WorkNest, is now part of global business resilience platform Axiom GRC. A first of its
Immigration white paper – what it means for the care sector
BLOG The adult social care sector has long faced significant recruitment challenges, with providers struggling to fill vital roles amid growing demand. These difficulties have
Managing a long term sickness absence
Blog Long-term sickness absence can have a significant impact on any organisation – from increased pressure on colleagues who are picking up the slack, to
Now hiring (on TikTok?) | Why social media is your secret weapon for recruitment in 2025
BLOG Written by Danielle Fargnoli-Read on 19 May 2025 Job boards are great and a tried and tested way to reach candidates, but in 2025,
Employment Tribunal time limits | How Labour’s plan to double the claims window could impact employers
BLOG Written by Katie Proctor on 14 May 2025 At present, employees have three months to bring the majority of claims to the Employment Tribunal.
Home working vs. remote working | Understanding the difference and why it matters
BLOG Written by Tracey Burke on 13 May 2025 In today’s flexible working world, the terms home working and remote working are often used interchangeably.
