Employment law for logistics

We advise the logistics sector on a range of employment law issues. We’re well-versed in the range of legal issues that can arise in this sector. The turmoil of recent unprecedented times has added new challenges to an already complex industry. We’re here to help logistics businesses and their owners to navigate challenges they may face. We have a proactive, practical approach to working with our clients to achieve their objectives.

• Redundancy and staff reorganisations – Covid-19 and Brexit hit the logistics and supply chain sector harder than any other sector, according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Manufacturing, transport & storage and construction all make the top 10 list of industries with the most redundancies in 2021 according to research from Utility Bidder. Making staff redundant is potentially complex. We can guide you through the processes, including, where applicable, collective consultation and help to minimise the risk of costly claims for unfair dismissal or punitive awards for failure to follow the right procedures.
• Settlement agreements and exit packages – advice on how to use settlement agreements for a commercial settlement of matters without admission of liability. We can help you to negotiate them as part of effective management. We advise on how to include robust confidential post-termination restriction and confidentiality clauses where appropriate. Having the right agreement for the particular circumstances can help protect your business and allow a discreet and dignified parting of the ways. 
• Employment contract law – preparing written contracts for all your staff to set the parameters of the relationship is of increasing importance. It reduces the risks of issues or claims in the future and protects your interests. We help you navigate the complex legal issues of your operations, for example, if you have drivers, we make sure your contracts are compliant with the Working Time Regulations. We routinely assist with handbooks, policies and procedures to help define the parties’ expectations and comply with the legislation. 
• Misconduct and performance issues - we guide clients through taking disciplinary action or managing performance issues. For companies employing drivers, issues can include failure to comply with company procedures such as observing weight limits and HGV operating licence conditions. Failure to comply may result in the operator’s licences being suspended. It’s vital that employers can make informed choices about how to deal with drivers who have not followed the rules. Companies employing drivers also have a duty to take steps to protect drivers who will often be lone workers, driving all over the country and managing the variety of issues that can arise. 

For warehousing, issues may include allegations of bullying at work, performance management, managing shift patterns and rotas and related potential health issues. Issues that we have advised on include collective grievances raised around changing night shift patterns and related health and safety considerations. Documenting what you do and why and following your procedures is of great importance and we can help you with this. 

• workplace disputes, collective grievances and employment tribunal claims – we have extensive expertise you can lean on if an employee brings a case against you at tribunal. We advise on HR law so you can avoid inadvertently creating a situation that allows an employee to bring a claim against you. We can help you to follow correct internal and ACAS policies to reduce the risk of a tribunal making findings against you. 
• TUPE transfers and outsourcing– often complex legal situations arise where a contract is outsourced from one contractor to another. We can clearly explain the legal position to you. We advise on which rights are being transferred and your new obligations in a merger or acquisition or service provision change on outsourcing. Where there are a range of commercial options available to you, we can advise on the best course.
• HR policies – we provide these for you so you get a more effective working environment which supports your business to thrive.