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Employment and discrimination claims

Our employment and discrimination team is made up of recognized leading experts in employment, equal pay and discrimination law. The team is led by Camilla Palmer and Chris Benson and provides specialist, supportive and cost effective advice and representation to employees.

The law is complex, but we try to explain it as simply as possible and explain alternative options. We focus on the client's primary aim. This may be to obtain the highest payment which negotiation or litigation can achieve. It may be to avoid redundancy or to agree flexible working arrangements, equal pay or satisfactory terms for ending their employment.

We will only take on a case if we consider that there are reasonable prospects of success. We will give clients an honest view about the prospects of success at an early stage and guide and support them through the options, such as how to negotiate with their employer, whether to take out a grievance and when to lodge a tribunal claim.

Recognizing the cost, stress and uncertainty of litigation we strive first to settle disputes in other ways, such as through discussion and meetings with an employer or formal mediation. The vast majority of the cases we take end in a substantial settlement without a hearing. Some clients keep their jobs and, as one client commented, her career.

If clients want to litigate, or there is no other option, “we are not frightened by the opposition” to quote the legal directory Chambers. We are experienced, thorough and tough litigators. Most cases go no further than the employment tribunal, but where necessary we can and have taken appeals to the higher courts and even the European Court of Justice.

News

Elizabeth George Times lawyer of the week: Leigh Day lawyer Times lawyer of the week
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Important victory for pregnant women in the Armed Forces: Leigh Day's discrimination team win important pregnancy discrimination case
Flexible working request extended: New government announces extension of right to request flexible working
Court of Appeal denies lack of sensitivity towards Christian values: CA turns down appeal from Employment Appeal Tribunal
Latest developments in Miriam O’Reilly case: Age and sex discrimination case generates huge interest
Miriam O'Reilly faces discrimination and hostility: Experienced BBC journalist dropped from programmes sues for discrimination
Successful climate change employment case: Employment Appeal Tribunal rules belief in climate change comparable to religion
The 50-80% gender pay gap shock: transparency is key: The Fawcett Society has published research that shows a 50% gender pay gap.
EHRC Inquiry finds widespread sexism in the finance sector: AN EHRC inquiry has releaved that sexism in the City, particularly in the finance sector, still persists
Campaign against pregnancy discrimination launched: There has been an increase in the number of women being made redundant whilst pregnant or on maternity leave
Equality Bill published: Muted welcome to the new Equality Bill
Report shows pay gap persists in the City: Report published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals high pay gap in financial sector
Extension of the right to request flexible working: The right to request flexible working for children up to age 17 has been extended
Camilla Palmer speaks on employment discrimination on Woman's Hour: Employment discrimination specialist speaks on Woman's Hour