A personal approach to employment law
Sarah Hall is a Partner in Hay & Kilner’s Employment Law & HR Team and Head of the firm’s Commercial Division, based at their Newcastle office in The Lumen.
Hay & Kilner is a modern, full-service law firm with a long established reputation and proven track record.
She has been advising clients on all aspects of employment law for over 25 years and is well known for her pragmatic approach, ensuring that her advice and support meets her clients’ values and objectives.
Celebrating her 20th anniversary with the firm in 2024, having joined Hay & Kilner as an Associate. Sarah says:
‘’At Hay & Kilner, we take pride in our supportive culture and outstanding retention rates, which we believe is a sign that we're doing something right. Personally, I can attest to this, as I’ve been with the firm for over 20 years, beginning my career as an Associate Solicitor in the employment team and progressing quickly through the ranks. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, and it's fantastic to know that many of our colleagues feel the same way as we continue to grow.’’
“We recognise how important development and progression is to our colleagues and we have recently introduced a new performance review process to better support this at every level. We are also continuing to take steps to embed our coaching culture, which empowers our colleagues to take their own decisions whilst nurturing a sense of ownership.”
Employment law and HR advice
A member of the Employment Lawyers Association, Sarah acts almost exclusively for employers across a variety of sectors. She works closely with HR teams providing strategic support and commercial advice on all HR matters. She acts as a trusted adviser for many clients who contact her on a weekly basis for proactive advice.
With extensive experience of advising clients on HR matters, such as disciplinaries and grievances, and more complex employment issues, such as TUPE, whistleblowing, discrimination, employee & industrial relations, restructuring and restrictive covenants, Sarah provides pragmatic advice and is by your side when things don’t go to plan.
The evolving world of employment law
The world of employment law is continually evolving, and Sarah and her team are at the forefront of these changes. From the recent Employment Rights Bill, which will reshape employment law including significant changes to unfair dismissal rights and fire and re-hire, it is clear that the requirements on employers, and the potential risk of claims, will continue to increase.
Sarah provides tailored in-house training for clients to support managers and to minimise the risk of Tribunal claims, as well as leading the team’s HR corporate support work in relation to commercial projects and transactions.
The Hay & Kilner approach
As Sarah explains:
‘’At Hay & Kilner, we understand that your people are your greatest strength. We take the time to understand your organisation and culture, tailoring our approach to help you achieve your commercial goals.
‘’Our employment law team builds close relationships with businesses across various sectors, providing legal and commercial HR advice with a results-driven focus. Clients value our practical, common-sense approach, quick response times, and ongoing support.
‘’We offer flexible fee options allowing you to budget effectively while accessing expert legal advice.’’
Hay & Kilner’s People and Culture Forum###
Hay & Kilner’s People and Culture Forum provides an opportunity for senior HR professionals to network and discuss key topics such as the role of emotional intelligence in workplace culture and the impact of AI. The most recent forums have covered workplace wellbeing and what it actually means in practice for HR professionals and the future of diversity, equality and inclusion and how it’s evolving in the workplace.
‘’Creating a sense of belonging where people feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work makes for a healthier and happier workforce and is essential for employee wellbeing. It’s something we pride ourselves on at Hay & Kilner.’’
If you need any further guidance or would like to discuss any of these topics further, please get in contact with Sarah.
Expert commentary & updates
Preparing for the Employment Rights Act: What employers need to do now
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Team, outlines how employers can prepare for the Employment Rights Act, including recruitment, zero-hours contracts, sickness absence and workplace culture changes.
The Employment Rights Bill: What’s planned and how can employers prepare
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains the key proposals in the UK Employment Rights Bill and what employers can do to prepare for upcoming changes.
Unfair dismissal: Recent cases and what they tell us
Tom Clarke from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains what two recent Tribunals mean for what does and does not amount to a potentially unfair dismissal.
Supreme Court ruling on trans rights: What employers need to know
What does the Supreme Court’s decision on trans rights mean for employers? Our Employment Law & HR Team outlines key workplace legal implications and employer responsibilities.
New ban on gagging clauses in settlement agreements as employment law reform timetable unveiled
Tom Clarke, from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains the new ban on gagging clauses in settlement agreements and what the employment law reform timetable means for employers and employees.
New right to neonatal care leave and pay
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Tea, explains the new right to neonatal care leave and pay, outlining what employers and eligible parents need to know under UK employment law.
Hay & Kilner advise on the acquisition of The Dubliner York
Hay & Kilner’s advises on the acquisition of The Dubliner York, supporting strategic growth in the hospitality sector with expert legal guidance.
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