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.

Google Rating

4.8

Based on 158 reviews

WorkNest

4.8

Mark P

15:06 28 Mar 23

We would not recommend WorkNest. The advice is professional but eliciting a response or trying to get through to anyone simply takes days. Our business cant wait this long.

Heather Peel

10:12 16 Feb 23

Collete did a really thorough review of a new premises, her comments were practical, reasonable and very informative. There was no feeling of judgement on the visit, she was purely there to support us in our health and safety practices.

mathew wistanley

14:32 01 Feb 23

Fantastic experience here at Worknest had a fantastic tutor who was active in the field honestly feel so comfortable with recruitment now after the day of training. Truly an asset to the place well done.

lee Woodward

17:01 28 Nov 22

I find WorkNest a very easy H&S auditor to work with, they offer us great support, keep us up to date with the latest changes.

Carole Giles

10:37 23 Nov 22

my request was dealt with very quickly and efficiently , the issue was resolved immediately.

m g

21:51 22 Nov 22

Stuart was extremely thorough and patient. He spent time discussing health and safety information that I wanted further understanding on.His manner is approachable and transparent. His approach is helpful, considerate and very supportive.Stuart doesn't dictate and is happy to highlight the areas that you have done well in & not just point out the areas that require improving.Trusting and knowledgeable - very happy to have Stuart supporting our venue and team.

Jenny Atkin

17:26 21 Nov 22

I have had dealings with a number of representatives from Worknest. They have all been polite,friendly & knowledgeable.

Gilbert Kamgang

09:26 11 Nov 22

Quick and clear response .

Tony Partridge

11:18 07 Nov 22

A very professional approach - Easy to deal with.Peace of mind with their guidance.

Teresa Kalista

10:21 04 Nov 22

Karl Offord

09:07 20 Oct 22

Colin is always very informative & knowledgeable......donuts are great too!!

Mummy Moore

11:50 06 Oct 22

Very helpful every time i phone, good advice and support

Petra Berry Frankova

13:44 28 Sep 22

Elaine Priest

13:42 19 Jul 22

Very professional, helpful & friendly. Easy to talk to and get the correct information required.

Stef Thomas

09:31 18 Jul 22

Fantastic seminar and very informative 👏

Sharron Brown

09:23 13 Jul 22

Great service, very knowledgeable and helpful.

EA-RS Group

09:24 16 Jun 22

Mark Hendry

10:07 31 May 22

Taylor Road Primary School has just had it's first H&S Audit with WorkNest. Andy Hooke is our H&S consultant. Andy was very professional, knowledgeable and fair in all aspects of the Audit and spent two days at the school working with me and talking to all staff. I look forward to working with Andy and WorkNest in the future to help improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing in our school. Mark Hendry, Site Manager

iain fleming

22:34 16 May 22

Paul Wetherfield

09:08 11 May 22

Lisa Parry

08:09 09 May 22

What a productive meeting with Kelvin. Very knowledgeable and a big help. A pleasure to work with

Nikki Knapp

14:19 29 Mar 22

Wojtek Z

17:58 15 Mar 22

Really rustic place. I love it.

Peter Trenholme

10:05 03 Mar 22

Great service and very thorough. The Worknest team are quick to respond and make our day to day so much more efficient. Thoroughly recomend.

Sigita Guzyte

10:07 04 Feb 22

Steve Brooks

21:24 30 Jan 22

WorkNest have done more than it said on the can. They have been very responsive and provided outstanding specialist advice in relation to our school H&S policy review and legionella action plan,

David Johnston

19:10 28 Jan 22

Thank you Helen - 5.55pm you took my call on a Friday and gave over and above - you all work such long hours!

Bridget MacPherson

13:23 28 Jan 22

A relatively new customer to WorkNest, but very soon became invaluable for support in both HR and H&S. We receive fantastic, personalised help at point of contact. Never a delay on our request for information and help. The online resource centre and live access to the HR and H&S portals have made our work lives so much easier and gives us the confidence in our day to day. WorkNest our 'trusted' go-to!

nigel Simmons

11:38 27 Jan 22

A very easy site to navigate and very informative

John Delahunty

09:06 27 Jan 22

Very timely and progressed without fuss.

Craig Rushworth

15:18 26 Jan 22

As always Simon demonstrated excellent knowledge and provided us with excellent service & professional standards.

Kevin Bowers

14:31 26 Jan 22

Great service & attention to detail

Beverley Trow

13:03 26 Jan 22

WorkNest is a professional company, a good work ethic, with friendly and knowledgeable staff

Helen Hampton Trust

13:00 26 Jan 22

Michelle is very helpful and always happy to share new ways to maximise health and safety within our Charity. A safe pair of hands to assist us. Thank you.

St Winefrides

11:21 26 Jan 22

Robert west

11:18 26 Jan 22

Ref. Jan Hallas Excellent, helpful, patient, friendly etc. etc. Always has time to hear the full extent of the issue and then offer pragmatic and sensible solutions. Thanks, Rob West, MD - Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd

ST WX

10:29 26 Jan 22

Prompt and helpful response

Nicol Nightingale

10:28 26 Jan 22

Really helpful staff and always able to find the information and answers we need with their help and support.

Anna Shaw

10:26 26 Jan 22

Lisa Brewer

10:25 26 Jan 22

I have worked with WorkNest for a number of years and consider them an extension to our own People Services team; providing supportive, detailed and expert advice on all employment law matters and would highly recommend their services to both small and large businesses.

Gary Carvosso

10:19 26 Jan 22

David's guidance has been essential in bringing resolution to complex HR issues and ultimately peace of mind.

Stephen Brooks

10:08 21 May 21

We have received a very professional service , in a timely manner. The personal consultant assigned to our school has given great support and detailed responses to Health and Safety/Compliant issues.

CityStore Self Storage

11:11 19 May 21

We have used Ellis Whitham for well over 20+ years, 12 years with "CityStore Self Storage" as well as many years before with our previous business "KeepSafe Self Storage". Primarily we use Ellis Whittam for our HR support as well as our annual H&S compliance reviews at each of our self storage sites. We have recommended them to many others and they are widely known and used within the Self Storage industry. Their online portals makes accessing, updating or sharing any reports or data very easy. The HR teams are especially good at what they do and really do help and offer great advice.

Josh B

06:46 19 May 21

Rob was professional but friendly during his visit and was able to point me in the right directions about certain health and safety matters that I was not sure about. Compared with another H&S Auditor from a different company, Rob took a more relaxed approach which works better for me personally. Recommended.

Elisabeth Greensmith

14:52 18 May 21

Very helpful and always explain information well .

Alison John

12:20 18 May 21

Excellent service; would certainly recommend.

Matt Berry

12:18 18 May 21

Call answered quickly even in these challenging times. Advice from Nick was clear and he was also quick to provide further details via email.

Laura Walker

12:13 18 May 21

Visibility Scotland always receive 100% excellent services from Ellis Whittam. We cannot praise this service enough. Our staff have also enjoyed the on-line training, too.

Boatlane Court

11:17 18 May 21

Stuart was helpful and supportive during his visit. This helps the Court and myself make continual improvements.

Ashley Morris

10:19 18 May 21

Ellis Whittam looks after our Employment Law, HR and our Health & Safety Support.We continue to be impressed with their professional service, knowledge of the changes in the UK law and the accuracy in the information supplied.

Mr. T Windsor

10:08 18 May 21

Very good service and always someone on the end of the phone if you need any help

Ian Roper

09:49 18 May 21

Helen Cleary

09:33 18 May 21

Good quality advice and service. Friendly and Helpful assistance covering HR and H & S issues. The response to emailed enquiries is timely and it is unusual for there not to be anyone available to talk through issues on the telephone. In comparison to previous HR support, though this is not a cheap option it is a huge improvement.

Alastair King

09:20 18 May 21

Michelle has been very efficient in working with me as a new customer. Her attention to detail and her professionalism has been perfect and I have confidence in her as my point of contact. I look forward to working with Michelle closely to sort out any questions or queries I may have.

duncanfergusson mcneil

11:49 01 Feb 21

Very efficent and advice excellent. Return calls and 'e' mail response exceptional.

Anita Crossley

11:07 01 Feb 21

Phil Barr

22:48 21 Jan 21

Excellent support always.

Boston Mwense

12:40 21 Jan 21

Excellent service!

Tina Howard

12:30 21 Jan 21

Great service. Very prompt to respond to client requests.

Annette Bird

12:24 21 Jan 21

professional and experienced.

John Davey

12:14 21 Jan 21

Great Team, friendly, supportive, effective and will hold your hand through what is a stressful and difficult process in your business

School Office

12:13 21 Jan 21

Simon's support has been invaluable in dealing with this matter, he has guided and advised us, and has responded to all our concerns and queries on the matter, both efficiently and promptly.

Kate Bell

20:59 23 Nov 20

Ellis Whittam are an asset to this one-man team and have won the trust of the wider organisation. We work with Jim Stowe who has a great approach and is a trusted partner.

Flip Edwards

08:52 23 Nov 20

Our contact is always at the end of the phone, easy to talk to and fast response to problems. He is our "go to" as soon as we have an employment problem. Thank you Richard

IAN HABBEN

17:20 22 Nov 20

Great service, help and advice fro Helen Woodward. Thank you Helen

Monica Hardman

10:28 21 Nov 20

Great service as always when I recently rang in with a problem.....

Kate Voyce

17:31 19 Nov 20

Supreme are an excellent IT support company providing up to date and reliable IT back up services.

ADONIS FARANTOURIS

12:51 19 Nov 20

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering

12:49 19 Nov 20

Deinmar has been very supportive and got back to me straight away with the guidance I asked for. We now feel confident that we have a secure centre to allow our clients to return.

Sylvia Simpson

11:44 19 Nov 20

Angela Cholet

11:37 19 Nov 20

Responded promptly and identified what was needed

Sarah Hashmi

11:28 19 Nov 20

Ross Macdonald

11:21 19 Nov 20

We use the services of Ellis Whittam for our HR issues and find the service to be excellent. During the current pandemic it has been crucial to keep abreast of employment requirements and for us David Eastwood has been critical in our attempts to steer a path through the legal minefield that has developed.

Lorraine Bremner McBride

11:20 19 Nov 20

Professional, helpful and so quick to get back to queries. Would highly recommend for HR and H&S requirements whatever the size of business. Gail was excellent and a great ambassador for EW.

chris c

11:18 19 Nov 20

I can recommend Ellis Whittam for all HR related needs, always great to work with, responce times are exceptionally fast with expert advise.They are certainely professional in all aspects

Care Afloat

11:17 19 Nov 20

We have used Ellis Whittam for legal and H&S advice for some considerable time now. We have always found them to be extremely helpful, understanding of our business needs as well as very personal and responsive and consistent. We highly recommend them to other companies in need of such services.

Barry Fox

11:17 19 Nov 20

As always Gary Stoker is so supportive, even in these difficult times...thanks Gary appreciate it. lets not forget the other level of superb services offered by Ellis Whittam.

Mat Mellor

11:11 19 Nov 20

Celia Yeates

11:07 19 Nov 20

Helen went above and beyond to call me back after her shift should have finished, your assistance and dedication is much appreciated.

Adrian France

11:06 19 Nov 20

Very helpful, thanks Luke!

Nadiya Karp

11:03 19 Nov 20

Absolutely happy with Lee Edwards service . H&S support level simply outstanding . Look forward to our follow up meeting

Richard Szymanski

11:02 19 Nov 20

Ellis Whittam have provided us with solid HR and Health and Safety support for many years. Their service is outstanding and very professional. They work closely with us ensuring the services they offer are tailor made to suit our business.Richard Szymanski,Operations manager,Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd.

David Evans

11:01 19 Nov 20

Excellent, professional service

Lauren Whigham

11:05 13 Nov 20

Fantastic service really supportive and throughout the Coronavirus pandemic they have provided lots of really useful documents that can apply to all businesses. Rarely have to use them but when I do, just the support you need.

James Walley

16:27 15 Oct 20

Josie Winchcombe

09:51 02 Apr 20

We have used the services of Ellis Whittam for over 4 years. They provide a number of online resources but it is the personal touch which is proving invaluable particularly at the moment. I know that Toyah is there to assist and guide me in the decisions I have to make.

Aylia Atherley

08:53 02 Apr 20

During these difficult times Ellis Whittam continues to deliver a fast-reliable service, being very supportive and providing sound advice when needed.

Frog Diamond Drilling

13:56 31 Mar 20

Peter Lorimer

09:46 31 Mar 20

Thanks for calm conversation on what must be a very busy day for you.

MUK Quality

15:07 30 Mar 20

prompt and clear reponses

sarah young

14:59 30 Mar 20

Great advice. Easy to talk to.

Bernard Starkmann

14:01 30 Mar 20

Toyah was very helpful and surprisingly energetic and enthusiastic considering what you all must be going through with a massive spike in furlough and other enquiries. Many thanks! Your service and staff commitment is massively appreciated, not only now, but always! Bernard Starkmann

hilary evans

13:57 27 Mar 20

Most professional and very helpful. Thankyou

Deb kemp

13:00 27 Mar 20

Jack was Very helpful - Thank you

Paul Wicks

11:49 27 Mar 20

a very professional introduction from a new account manager.

tanya tickle

23:12 23 Mar 20

Liana Wiltshire

12:17 20 Mar 20

Sarah was sympathetic to our situation and although I'm sure she is really busy, took her time to answer all my questions and has sent me a list of links for more info. This service is a lifeline to small businesses.

Vicky Ling

12:13 20 Mar 20

Laura Chalkely is going out of her way to offer support and guidance in a difficult situation. It is very much appreciated.

Scot Cash

09:58 16 Mar 20

Derick is always professional, helpful and it gives me a huge amount of reassurance he is on hand to help with any questions I have.

Maxine Leech

17:13 13 Mar 20

“Alice always gives support and advice and is very helpful at all times”

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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

Colleague Spotlight

Kim Clarke

Head of Team

Colleague Spotlight

David Eastwood

Head of Team

Colleague Spotlight

Laura Chalkley

Head of Team

Toyah Marshall

Principal Employment Law Adviser

Colleague Spotlight

Adele Blinkhorn

HR Consultancy Manager

Hussain Kayani

Principal Employment Law Adviser

Colleague Spotlight

Ange Carter

Head of Team

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.”

Gus Hosein
Executive Director, Privacy International

“

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

“

WorkNest (formerly HRSP) provided fantastic support with our recent staffing review. Christian sought to really understand our organisation, and offered clear advice throughout. He was consistently responsive and flexible, and provided a valuable sounding board in respect of some of the more challenging parts of the process. I look forward to continuing to work with WorkNest in the future.”

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

“

I’ve taken WorkNest into every organisation that I’ve worked with. I’ve introduced them to many teams and many colleagues and referred them with absolute pleasure because I genuinely trust in the service that we get.”

Debbie Jamieson
People Director, The Works

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.