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Employment Law
Employment law for sickness and absence
If you feel unfairly treated at work because you’ve taken time off due to sickness, ill health or another issue, you might have a claim against your employer.
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Workplace absence solicitors: Expert legal advice
Understanding your rights when taking time off work
Most people will need time off work for one reason or another during their careers. If you think your employer has handled the situation poorly or infringed your rights, our expert employment law solicitors can help you.
What are my rights if I need time off work?
As an employee, you’re entitled to time off work if you need it. Your employer should have a clear policy in place to manage your absences and treat you fairly if you need to take time off. At Tees, we regularly advise clients who have taken time off work due to:
- ill health
- long term sickness
- disability
- caring responsibilities
- family or personal issues.
"A truly dedicated team with the client's best interests always coming first." Legal 500 2026
Know your options if you’ve been treated unfairly
If you feel your employer has treated you unfairly, you have options. We understand that the situation has probably left you feeling distressed and emotionally drained at a time when you are already struggling with the issues that have caused you to need time off in the first place. Our solicitors are experts in employment law and we regularly deal with complex discrimination cases and claims. We’ve worked on both sides of the fence, so we’ve heard all the arguments your employer is likely to make. This puts us in the perfect position to anticipate what will happen next and to guide you accordingly.
Helping you find the right way forward
- we can tell you if you have a claim for discrimination against your employer
- listen to what you want to achieve and explore your options for the way to move forward
- negotiate with your employer on your behalf
- organise mediation to find a solution where it’s possible in a way that reduces the conflict
- represent you in court should you choose to resort to litigation.
Legal and financial advice under one roof
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services. We have our own independent financial advisers (IFAs), who work closely with our lawyers.
Our advisers provide holistic financial planning and as we are not connected to any one provider, we can offer a whole-of-market approach for the range of products we can advise on. We can also give independent advice for a whole range of insurance products to protect you and your family. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we’re accountable for the advice we give.
Get in touch today, we’re here to help
If you’re concerned about how your employer has treated you, our experienced employment solicitors can help you understand your rights and options. We’ll listen to your circumstances, explain the best way forward and provide clear, practical advice tailored to you.
We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Our experience in sickness and absence law
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Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
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What our clients say
★★★★★
“I had a separation agreement from my employer for which I needed prompt legal assistance, as I had a deadline of ~48 hours. After I contacted Tees, Ola called me almost immediately. She worked quickly and she was thorough and courteous with her advice towards me and her communication with my employer.”
★★★★★
“Katherine Jameson has a great strategic mind and is always thinking three steps ahead. She is always across her brief and has considered every aspect of every case she is working on. A safe pair of hands.”
Legal 500 2026
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