Employment Law Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions

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In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions relating to Employment Law.

The Timms Solicitors Employment Law team continue to work during Covid-19 and are here to help….

Q) I would like to talk to someone about an employment law issue, what should I do?

We are happy to take on new clients and do offer fixed fee appointments to provide you with initial general advice and assistance to assess your case.

If you are a business, we offer a range of fee structures including fixed fee appointments, annual subscriptions to our bespoke online packages and fees payable by reference to hourly rates.

Please telephone our office on 0800 011 6666 and ask to speak to the employment team, specifying which office you would usually wish to be seen at.

Q) I am involved in a Tribunal Claim and require representation. Can you assist?

Yes. Please telephone our office on 0800 011 6666 and ask to speak to the employment team.

Tribunal Hearings are still taking place and from June 2020, some hearings will be conducted using a Cloud Video Platform.

It is anticipated that the Cloud Platform will be used to conduct hearings as far as October 2020. However, the Tribunal Service is updating its users regularly on its proposals moving forward.

Q) Can I come in for a meeting?

Following Government guidelines and for your safety and ours, we are limiting face to face meetings. Our offices are not accepting drop in visits at this time.

We are happy to deal with queries over the telephone, by email or through video conferencing. The advice and support that you would receive will be the same as that offered in a face to face meeting.

Q) What if communication by phone, video or email is an issue for me?

We are conducting face to face meetings and if other methods of communication are difficult for you then we can consider arranging a meeting at our offices. This of course would be at our discretion, as we would need to assess the risk in proceeding on this basis.

Q) If I attend your offices, what measures are in place to keep me safe?

Any appointments will be arranged for a fixed start time and we would ask that you arrive at the office as close to that start time as possible.

Social distancing signs have been installed in and around the office and hand sanitising gels are available for your use. These can be found in our reception area and also within our meeting rooms.

Our receptions have been fitted with Perspex screens and there are non-clinical face masks, gloves and aprons available for your use. These are not mandatory but are available should you require them.

We have implemented additional cleaning procedures across our offices and all meeting rooms are sanitised before and after any appointments.

We regret that we are unable to offer beverages at this time and neither can we offer access to our toilet facilities. Our procedures are being reviewed regularly and we hope to be able to re-instate these services soon.

Q) I have got papers that need returning to the office, can I drop them off?

Our offices are not open for speculative appointments. However, you can post any papers through our letterbox. Post is collected and forwarded to your lawyer as often as it would be in ordinary circumstances.

Q) How much will it cost to get advice on my employment law query?

We offer a range of options from fixed fees, annual subscription services and/or payment by reference to hourly rates. All options will be discussed with you when you contact us to discuss your query.

We do not offer legal aid or “no win no fee” agreements in relation to employment matters at this time.

19th July 2021