Employment Law for Business

Managing people is one of the most important yet complex responsibilities within any organisation, especially as employment law continues to evolve. Our Employment Law team provides strategic, commercially focused support to help businesses manage risk, stay compliant, and maintain strong working relationships. We work with employers of all sizes—from startups to established companies—offering practical, proportionate advice tailored to your organisational goals. Our guidance covers every stage of the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, HR management, disciplinary and grievance issues, sickness absence, equality and discrimination matters, restructures, redundancies, and enforcing post termination restrictions

Employment Law for Business

Managing people is one of the most important responsibilities within any organisation—yet it is also one of the most complex. Employment law continues to evolve, and businesses must navigate a landscape of legal duties, workplace rights, and practical challenges. Our Employment Law team provides strategic, commercially aware advice to help employers manage risk, maintain compliance, and build strong, productive working relationships.

We support businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors, from start‑ups and SMEs to established companies and growing enterprises. Whether you need one‑off advice or ongoing support, we aim to deliver solutions that are practical, proportionate, and aligned with your organisational objectives.

Strategic Advice Across the Employment Lifecycle

Our team provides guidance at every stage of the employment relationship—from recruitment and onboarding, through day‑to‑day HR management, to exits and post‑termination matters. We work closely with employers to ensure that policies, procedures, and decisions are legally robust while remaining commercially sensible.

We regularly assist businesses with:

  • Settlement Agreements
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts, service agreements, and handbooks
  • Managing disciplinary and grievance procedures
  • Handling performance and capability processes
  • Advising on sickness absence and long‑term ill health
  • Navigating discrimination, harassment, and equality issues
  • Consulting on redundancies, reorganisations, and restructuring
  • Enforcing post‑termination restrictions and confidentiality obligations

Our advice focuses on achieving the right outcome for your organisation while minimising disruption and maintaining positive workplace culture wherever possible.

Managing Workplace Change and HR Challenges

Workplace issues can escalate quickly if not handled with care. We assist employers in assessing risks early, developing appropriate strategies, and ensuring that any action taken complies with UK employment law. Whether you are dealing with a sensitive employee matter, managing a complex redundancy process, or implementing a change programme, we provide clear, practical guidance to help you move forward confidently.

We also help businesses prepare for future challenges by reviewing policies, implementing training, and advising on risk‑prevention measures. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and create a more resilient HR framework.

Employment Tribunal Representation

Even with best practices in place, disputes may still arise. If a claim is brought against your organisation, we provide strong, strategic representation throughout the Employment Tribunal process. We assess the merits of the claim, help you gather evidence, manage negotiations, and develop a clear defence strategy.

Where appropriate, we work to resolve disputes through early settlement or mediation, balancing risk, cost, and reputational considerations. When cases proceed to a hearing, our team ensures your organisation is well‑prepared and robustly represented.

Commercial, Clear and Accessible Support

Our role is not only to solve legal problems but to help employers make informed, practical decisions that support long‑term success. We pride ourselves on delivering clear communication, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and offering tailored advice that fits your business.

Whether you need guidance on a complex HR issue, support with day‑to‑day employment matters, or representation in a dispute, our team is here to protect your organisation and help it thrive.

Team Members

Steve Wengraf

Partner

Steve Wengraf

Steve qualified in 1993 and became a Partner at Rutherfords in 2003.

Steve has wide litigation experience. He advises both individuals and business clients on various types of litigation and dispute resolution matters. These include professional negligence, business disputes of all types, landlord and tenant disputes, property disputes and general contractual disputes. He frequently attends in the County Court and High Court.

Steve also undertakes Claimant personal injury work. He became a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel in 1997. Steve deals with all types of  personal injury work (particularly catastrophic injury claims) including representing client’s interests in the Coroners Court.

In addition, Steve supervises Rutherfords’ Debt Recovery Department and Employment Department in his capacity as Litigation Partner.

Steve acts as the firm`s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) and Money Laundering reporting Officer (MLRO).

Services

Call us on: 01827 311411

Ventura House, Ventura Park Road,
Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3HL
T: 01827 311411
100 Years in BusinessLexcel AccreditationAccredited Conveyencing certificate
Copyright @ 2026
Rutherfords LLP
Registration No. OC369347 | VAT Number: GB 109 5371 72 | Data Protection No: Z295922X