Member Article

Ward Hadaway launches new HR business tool to help key-decision-makers in the SME market

“Fix my legal spend, save me time, and give me high quality legal advice” is the clear message coming from key decision-makers in the SME sector.

In response, Top 100 UK law firm Ward Hadaway has launched ‘HR Protect’, an end-to-end business tool to help the SME market access the best employment law solutions.

The bespoke product allows employers to put in place a tailored employment law solution to manage the life-cycle of the employment relationship - all for a fixed price.

Harmajinder Hayre, Head of Ward Hadaway’s award-winning specialist team of Employment lawyers across Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, said: “The SME sector is experiencing unprecedented demands in terms of having to deal with internal employee relations issues, ranging from complex grievances, whistle blowing concerns, bullying and harassment allegations and performance management issues, as well as having to manage a record level of Employment Tribunal claims. Having confidence in getting the right legal advice so you can make the right decisions has never been so important.”

Ministry of Justice statistics reveal that the number of single Employment Tribunal claims has almost doubled since fees were abolished, in July 2017.

Harmajinder added that the upward trend in claims is likely to continue and therefore employers need to strategically deal with HR issues in the knowledge that there is a high risk of an Employment Tribunal claim being lodged against the employer.

He said: “HR Protect gives the SME market a bespoke solution throughout the life-cycle of the employment relationship, by providing on-line access to contracts, policies, handbooks, letters and FAQs to help SMEs manage their day-to-day workforce needs on recruitment, throughout the employment relationship and on termination of employment.

“It also gives SMEs direct access to personally assigned employment lawyers to support them in managing internal employee relations issues such as complex grievances, bullying and harassment allegations and underperformance.

“SMEs can also take out optional Employment Tribunal insurance which will cover legal fees and awards of up to £250,000 per claim. HR Protect will not only give SMEs peace of mind in terms of budgetary certainty and cost control, it will ensure they have in place up-to-date and legally compliant employment policies and procedures which are accessible via a members on-line portal.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ward Hadaway .