Chris Henshall Employment Solicitors
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, dismissed, suffered discrimination, or offered a settlement agreement, we can help. We provide clear, straightforward employment law advice so you understand your rights and can take the right next step with confidence.
If you are facing problems at work, it can be stressful and uncertain. Whether you have been dismissed, treated unfairly, or offered a settlement agreement, getting the right legal advice early can make a real difference. We are here to guide you through your options and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
We provide clear, practical advice to help you understand where you stand and what you can do next. From your first enquiry, we focus on giving you straightforward answers without unnecessary jargon.
Whether your matter can be resolved quickly or requires formal legal action, we will support you throughout and work towards the best possible result for your situation.
Straightforward, Honest Advice
Experienced in Employment Disputes
Supportive, Personal Service
We help employees with a wide range of workplace issues including unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and settlement agreements. Our aim is to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible while protecting your rights.
We also advise small businesses on employment law matters, helping them manage staff issues properly and reduce the risk of claims. Our advice is practical, clear, and tailored to your business.
Chris Henshall is an experienced employment solicitor who has advised individuals across the UK on workplace issues for many years. He has particular expertise in unfair dismissal, discrimination claims, and settlement agreements.
Chris understands that employment problems can be stressful and often unexpected. He takes a straightforward and supportive approach, helping clients understand their options and guiding them towards the best possible outcome.
Chris is born and bred in the North-East where he has practised all of his career
We help employees deal with a wide range of workplace issues, providing clear advice tailored to your situation. Whether you have been dismissed, suffered discrimination, are facing disciplinary action, or are dealing with unfair treatment at work, we are here to help.
Taking advice early can make a significant difference. We will explain your rights in plain English and help you understand what steps you can take.
We regularly advise on unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and unpaid wages. We also review and negotiate settlement agreements to make sure you are being treated fairly.
If your case needs to go further, we can represent you in an Employment Tribunal and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Our focus is on helping you resolve the situation and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Unfair dismissal claims (including constructive dismissal), discrimination claims (particularly disability discrimination), and settlement agreements.
If you have been dismissed, you should consider appealing the decision if your employer offers an appeal.
If you have not yet been dismissed but believe you have been treated unfairly, including possible discrimination, you should consider raising a formal grievance.
It is also important to seek legal advice as soon as possible due to strict time limits for bringing a claim.
You usually have 3 months less 1 day from the date of dismissal or discriminatory act to begin the process of bringing a claim. This starts with Early Conciliation through ACAS.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract used to resolve disputes between an employee and employer. It usually involves compensation in exchange for the employee agreeing not to bring a legal claim.
You must receive independent legal advice before signing one.
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employer dismisses an employee without a fair reason or without following a fair process.
Employees usually need two years’ service to claim, although there are important exceptions such as whistleblowing or health and safety cases.
Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic such as age, disability, race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.
It can include direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and victimisation.
Compensation can include:
A basic award (similar to redundancy pay)
A compensatory award for financial losses
Loss of earnings and benefits
Injury to feelings (for discrimination claims)
Unfair dismissal compensation is capped (currently £123,543 or 52 weeks’ pay), but discrimination claims are not capped.
Fixed fees are available for consultations, settlement agreements, and negotiations.
No win no fee (Damages Based Agreements) may be considered for Employment Tribunal claims.
We primarily act for employees based in the North East and North Yorkshire. However, we can act for employees based anywhere in England and Wales if need be.
If you have been offered a settlement agreement, it is important to understand exactly what you are being asked to sign before accepting it.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding document that usually involves you receiving compensation in exchange for giving up your right to bring claims against your employer. The terms can affect your finances, future employment, and legal rights.
We provide clear, independent advice on settlement agreements, explaining what the agreement means in plain English. Where appropriate, we can also negotiate improved terms on your behalf.
In most cases, your employer will contribute towards or cover your legal fees.
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Taking advice early is important due to strict time limits.
Speak to our Employment Solicitor
If you believe you have been dismissed unfairly, you may have the right to bring a claim against your employer.
Unfair dismissal can arise where there is no valid reason for dismissal or where your employer has failed to follow a fair process. This includes situations involving misconduct, capability, redundancy, or other reasons handled incorrectly.
We will assess your situation, explain whether you have a potential claim, and guide you through your options. This may involve negotiating a settlement or representing you in an Employment Tribunal if needed.
If you have been treated unfavourably or dismissed because of a protected characteristic, you may have a discrimination claim.
Protected characteristics include age, disability, race, sex, pregnancy/maternity, religion or belief, and sexual orientation. Discrimination can take different forms, including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, discrimination arising from disability and failure to make reasonable adjustments.
We provide practical advice on your rights and help you understand whether your employer’s actions may be unlawful. We can assist with raising grievances, negotiating settlements, or pursuing a claim through the Employment Tribunal.
There is no upper limit on compensation in discrimination claims.
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Speak to an employment solicitor today and get clear advice on your situation. We aim to respond quickly and help you understand your options as soon as possible.
We also support small businesses with practical employment law advice, helping you deal with staff issues correctly and reduce the risk of disputes.
From contracts and policies to disciplinary and grievance procedures, we provide clear guidance to help you stay compliant.
If a dispute arises, we can assist in resolving matters efficiently or defending claims where necessary.
Our advice is straightforward, practical, and focused on protecting your business.
We are happy to advise and carry out work on an ad-hoc basis as and when required without the need for your business to enter into a lengthy ongoing retainer
FAQs
Yes. You will deal directly with an experienced employment solicitor from start to finish.
You will have an initial discussion free of charge. If we can assist, we will offer clear terms and begin working on your matter promptly.
We aim to speak to you on the same day you make contact.
We primarily act for businesses based in the North East and North Yorkshire. However, we can act for businesses based anywhere in England and Wales if need be.
Settlement agreements can be an effective way to resolve workplace issues quickly and reduce the risk of future claims.
We advise employers on drafting clear, legally compliant settlement agreements and negotiating terms with employees. Our approach focuses on achieving a clean and efficient resolution while protecting your business interests.
We also ensure that agreements meet all legal requirements so they are valid and enforceable.
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We aim to resolve disputes efficiently while minimising risk and disruption to your business.
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Handling dismissals incorrectly can expose your business to costly claims.
We advise employers on managing dismissals fairly and in line with legal requirements, including capability, conduct, redundancy, and other potentially fair reasons.
If a claim has already been brought, we can defend your position and guide you through the Employment Tribunal process.
Discrimination claims can be complex and carry significant financial and reputational risk.
We help employers understand their obligations under employment law and take steps to prevent issues arising. If a claim is made, we provide clear, practical advice on how to respond and defend the matter.
We also assist with policies, procedures, and training to reduce the risk of future claims and ensure compliance.
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We are based in Gateshead close to Newcastle City Centre and advise clients throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire including Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Middlesbrough and York. We can also advise clients anywhere in England and Wales