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Business Employment

Industrial relations & trade unions

All companies need to be prepared for the unexpected, we can help organisations identify and prepare and provide a rapid response to industrial relations issues, whilst also strengthening employee engagement.

We have a proven track record in collective employment relations law and strategy, crisis management and contingency planning, and industrial disputes.

Success may be measured in the way a business reacts to a crisis. Knowing how the business will react in a crisis to protect its reputation, assets, stakeholders and commercial interests is vital. We have a wealth of experience assisting companies in early-stage contingency planning through to response on the day a crisis occurs.

We are highly experienced in dealing with industrial disruption, including union negotiations, strike management and avoidance, contingency planning and management negotiation training. We are also conscious that there is an increasing trend for the approach of unions to be more sophisticated and international, focusing on campaigns that target reputation and apply stakeholder pressure using social media and PR rather than just strikes.

In addition we can provide specialist industrial relations consultants to support your existing HR resource through our subsidiary HR company, Forbury People Limited, and deliver industrial relations training from foundation to strategic levels.

An exceptional balance of expertise and personality.”

Legal 500

Key contacts

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

Katie Glendinning

Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4610

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

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  • 17 February 2026
  • Employment

The Employment Rights Act – A shift in power: why employers will face greater pressure from industrial action and union relations in 2026

Substantial union-related changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will take effect on 18 February 2026, ushering in significant shifts in the legal landscape for industrial action in the UK.

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  • 13 February 2026
  • Employment

Businesses Prepare for Stronger Trade Union Rights: Monica Atwal Comments

The new trade union rights introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 18 February 2026. These changes are expected to make strikes easier to organise and will extend protections for striking workers. Monica Atwal comments on the implications of these reforms in People Management magazine.

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  • 12 February 2026
  • Employment

Clarkslegal Partners with Albion Legal to Offer Comprehensive Employment Law Protection Scheme

Employment law is becoming increasingly complex for UK employers. Legislative change, evolving case law and an expanding scope of employee rights mean that the risk of employment disputes and the cost of defending them has never been higher.

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  • 29 January 2026
  • Employment

Why AI Generated Grievances Are Becoming a New HR Challenge

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming a routine part of working life across the UK.

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  • 29 January 2026
  • Employment

Vexatious claims – what to do and how to stop them

It is not unheard of for employees (or former employees) to try their luck when it comes to pursuing employment tribunal claims in the hope they may be able to receive a financial award.

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  • 18 December 2025
  • Employment

Employment Law: Looking back at 2025 and what to expect in 2026

2025 has certainly been an interesting year for employment law. While the Employment Rights Bill has pulled much of the focus since it was introduced in October 2024, there have been other important updates this year as well.

Clarkslegal’s innovative approach to solving complex cases is consistent; their quality standards are extremely high and their staff are efficient and friendly – overall 11/10!”

Carrol Douglas-Welsh, Head of Employee Relations – Scottish and Southern Energy