Employment Law Specialist in Belfast
Employment law solicitor based in Holywood, County Down
Specialist advice for both employees and employers facing workplace issues.
I completed my degree at Queen's University Belfast, followed by an apprenticeship with a highly regarded city centre practice, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1993. I have considerable litigation experience dealing with both employees and employers, as well as providing support on everyday employment issues such as disciplinary procedures, contracts of employment, redundancy and formal grievances.
Over the years I gained a wealth of experience within the legal profession, joining a large firm in County Down where I established their employment unit, relocating strategically to the Belfast office.
In October 1999 I opened this practice in Holywood, specialising in employment law and providing advice and assistance on the challenges faced by both employers and employees in the workplace.
Since the formation of our company in 2006, Sheena Murphy has been at the forefront of all the legal issues we have encountered. She has been instrumental in guiding us through the legal processes involved in establishing a new bona fide and successful limited company. She has expertly handled internal disciplinary matters at the Courts, formal arbitration procedures and protected us from the legal day to day problems encountered by most fledgling companies. Throughout this, her work has been prompt, efficient, principled and always legally accurate. Her advice is never sugar coated or vague and she has a propensity to “tell it as it is”, which is respected by our members. We consider Sheena an integral part of our team. Belfast Lough Pilotage Services Ltd have no hesitation is recommending her services to potential customers.
Sheena listens, shows empathy, compassion and has given me 100% professional advice. I'm truly grateful to her for the few occasions we've met and she is the only person I would trust for any matter that might occur.
Lodge a written grievance with your employer, meet to discuss it, and appeal if you are not happy with the outcome. If you remain unhappy, you can take your case to an Industrial Tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal.
Proceedings generally must be lodged within 3 months, either of the date an act occurred in discrimination proceedings, or within 3 months of the effective date of termination for unfair dismissal, with some variations on these time limits.
An employee must be continuously employed for more than 2 years before qualifying for redundancy pay, and is also entitled to a consultation period and to know the reason for being selected.
The maximum award for unfair dismissal is in the region of £66,000. Discrimination awards are typically in the region of £2,000 to £25,000, with the average award in Northern Ireland around £6,000.
Yes, an initial free telephone consultation is offered, with any further consultation charged at an hourly rate communicated to you in advance.
Contact Sheena Murphy today for tailored advice and a free initial consultation.
