Robert Whitaker

How can I help you?

I am based in the Bishop's Stortford office and head Tees’ employment law department. I am also an executive partner for our business team, which comprises the employment, data protection, and company and commercial law teams.

I have over 20 years of experience specialising in employment law, particularly TUPE, and strategic advice around reorganisations and redundancies. I also advise on Equality Act claims, with a particular focus on disability claims and "reasonable adjustments." I have a master's in law (in anti-discrimination law) and am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

I also advise on GDPR and data issues and am the firm's Data Protection Officer.

Delivering what you really need

Employment law is about people, and for me it’s about helping people with practical solutions to legal problems. I’ll work alongside you to pursue your desired objectives – and an effective resolution. I provide practical solutions cost-effectively.

Family friendly rights have become a big part of employment law and whether you want advice on flexible working regulation applications or need help with an Employment Tribunal do contact me. I also do a lot of anti-discrimination law, particularly cases relating to disability discrimination and the duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

I help businesses facing reorganisations including strategic employment law advice on business sales, transfers and mergers. This includes advising on change management, redundancies, closures and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”). We work closely with our commercial colleagues and your other professional advisers for a holistic approach in assisting you on selling or purchasing a business or restructuring a company.

I handle many workplace dispute resolutions, including advising and assisting on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters that arise. We advise on the development and application of good internal procedures and on best practice. We offer a range of bespoke support services for employers, including audits of policies and procedures, ad hoc support and guidance and in-house training. We are routinely involved in advising businesses in drafting and negotiating exit packages with a particular experience advising on exit processes and terms for senior executives (both employers and employees).

I act for various clients, including the logistic sector, schools and colleges, charities, tech/software companies, and a range of professional services, including legal practices, accountancy services, medical practices, and design and architecture companies.

I advise on fitness to practice issues and civil aviation/CAA suspension for pilots and the aviation industry.

What else should you know?

I joined Tees in October 2000.

I regularly advise on employment law issues and provide interviews to media outlets, including local BBC and ITV television and media. I have assisted Anglia Ruskin University in live learning initiatives in conjunction with their faculty of law. I am also a pro bono adviser to the ARU's law clinic.

I enjoy spending time with my family, the arts and music, classic cars and food and drink in my spare time. I am also Chair of the school governing board at Haileybury Turnford and an active member and club protection officer for the Bishop's Stortford Rotary Group.