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Expert Legal Services for Family Leave Claims

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Have you faced unfair treatment or dismissal for exercising your family leave rights?

Our dedicated legal team is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Family leave is a crucial right for employees, allowing them to balance work and family responsibilities. At Ricci & Partners, we specialise in guiding individuals through the complexities of family leave claims, ensuring you receive the justice and fair treatment you deserve.

Understanding Family Leave

Family leave encompasses various statutory rights that allow employees to take time off work to care for their families. These rights are protected under UK law and include:

  1. Maternity Leave: Time off work for mothers before and after childbirth.
  2. Paternity Leave: Time off work for fathers or partners following the birth or adoption of a child.
  3. Parental Leave: Time off work to care for a child.
  4. Adoption Leave: Time off work for individuals adopting a child.
  5. Shared Parental Leave: Time off work that can be shared between parents following the birth or adoption of a child.
  6. Emergency Leave: Time off work for emergencies involving dependents.

Legal Protections for Family Leave

The Employment Rights Act 1996 and other related legislation provide robust protections for employees exercising their family leave rights. Employers must:

  • Respect Statutory Rights: Ensure that employees can take their entitled leave without fear of detriment or dismissal.
  • Prevent Retaliation: Ensure employees are not subjected to unfair treatment or dismissal for taking family leave.
  • Accommodate Leave Requests: Manage family leave requests fairly and in accordance with the law.

How to Make a Family Leave Claim

If you believe you’ve been unfairly treated or dismissed for exercising your family leave rights, follow these steps to bring a claim:

  1. Document the Issue: Keep records of any unfair treatment or dismissal, including dates, times, locations, involved parties, and witnesses. Save relevant documents like emails, leave requests, and termination notices.
  2. Raise the Issue Internally: Use your employer’s grievance procedure to report the issue to HR or your line manager.
  3. Seek Legal Advice: Consult an employment law specialist to understand your rights and assess your case.
  4. Early Conciliation with ACAS: Notify the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) and attempt to resolve the dispute through early conciliation.
  5. Employment Tribunal Claim: If conciliation fails, file a claim with the Employment Tribunal within three months of the discriminatory act. Submit the ET1 form with your evidence.
  6. Tribunal Hearing: Present your case at the Tribunal, where both parties will provide evidence, and the Tribunal will decide based on the facts presented.

How We Can Help

Navigating a family leave claim can be complex. Our experienced employment law solicitors offer invaluable support throughout the process:

  1. Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: We provide an initial consultation to understand your case and explain your rights and options.
  2. Gathering Evidence: We assist in collecting and organising evidence to support your claim, including documenting circumstances and obtaining witness statements.
  3. Negotiation and Mediation: Our skilled negotiators strive to resolve disputes without Tribunal proceedings, including negotiating settlements.
  4. Employment Tribunal Representation: We meticulously prepare and present your case at the Tribunal, ensuring robust legal arguments and evidence.
  5. Post-Tribunal Support: If you win, we help enforce the Tribunal’s decision. If not, we advise on potential appeals or other legal avenues.

Family leave is a fundamental right that allows employees to balance work and family responsibilities. It is unjust and unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees for exercising these rights. If you are facing unfair treatment or dismissal for taking family leave, it is crucial to know your rights and take appropriate action. Our legal team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive fair treatment and justice. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate your family leave claim with confidence and expertise.

Justina Ricci

Head of the Department
Employment Lawyer
justina.ricci@ricciandpartners.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes unfair treatment or dismissal related to family leave?

Unfair treatment or dismissal can include refusal to grant leave, demotion, reduced pay, or termination for taking family leave.

How do I know if I have been a victim of unfair treatment related to family leave?

If you’ve faced unfavourable treatment or dismissal after requesting or taking family leave, you may be a victim. Document all relevant incidents to support your case.

What evidence is needed to prove unfair treatment or dismissal related to family leave?

Records of communication with your employer, leave requests, termination notice, witness statements, and documents showing the reason for unfair treatment or dismissal.

How long do I have to file a family leave claim?

Claims must be filed within three months less one day from the date of the unfair treatment or dismissal, starting with ACAS Early Conciliation.

What can I expect from the ACAS Early Conciliation process?

ACAS attempts to resolve disputes through conciliation before tribunal proceedings.

What happens if Early Conciliation fails?

You can proceed with a tribunal claim if conciliation is unsuccessful.

What remedies are available if my family leave claim is successful?

Compensation for lost earnings, damages for emotional distress, reinstatement or re-engagement, and potentially ordering the employer to take specific actions.

Can I make a claim if I am still employed by the discriminating employer?

Yes, but seek legal advice to understand potential implications.

What costs are involved in making a family leave claim?

Costs may include legal fees and tribunal costs; some solicitors offer no-win-no-fee arrangements.

How can your legal services help with my family leave claim?

Comprehensive support from consultation to tribunal representation and post-tribunal assistance.

Why Us?

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We offer fast and efficient service and are usually able to sign off on your agreement within 24 hours. 

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If you are not happy with the offer you received, we can negotiate with your employer on your behalf and get you the best deal possible.

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Our fee is fixed to your employer’s contribution so you do not need to pay us for the service to sign off on the agreement.

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Our services are 5 star rated. Our client feedback is a testament to our commitment to provide excellent customer care and to exceed expectations in our service delivery. 

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We offer nationwide service online. That means that you can get your agreement signed off from the comfort of your home.

Legal Advice

We are thorough and will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the best deal possible not only in terms of monetary value, but also the wording of your agreement. 

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