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Employment law solicitors in Manchester
Based near St Peter’s Square, our Manchester specialists offer clear, strategic legal advice across the full spectrum of employment matters.
0333 004 4488
hello@brabners.com
Award-winning employment law experts serving Manchester
A ‘Top Tier’ firm for employment law according to major directory The Legal 500, we combine unrivalled legal acumen with a clear commercial focus.
Our services for employers and senior professionals encompass:
- Contracts, policies & procedures — helping employers to put in place employment contracts, director service agreements and a complete suite of HR policies and procedures.
- Disputes & litigation — strategic guidance on defending tribunal claims of all kinds, including unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing.
- Immigration — helping organisations to secure sponsor licences, bring skilled talent to the UK and remain compliant with all Home Office sponsor duties.
- Redundancy & restructuring — practical advice to support difficult workforce changes while protecting employee interests and your organisation’s reputation, including around TUPE.
- Recruitment & workforce solutions — advising recruiters on all areas of employment law including agency worker compliance, modern slavery, national minimum wage investigations and worker status.
- Reproductive health — advice for employers on supporting staff affected by reproductive health challenges.
- Restrictive covenants & post termination restrictions — guidance for employers and individuals on the enforceability of non-compete, non-solicitation, non-dealing and non-poaching clauses, together with advice on disputes concerning breaches of restrictive covenants.
- Settlement agreements & exits — bespoke, strategic advice on settlement agreements and senior exit and executive severance arrangements for individuals.
- Trade union & industrial relations — support for employers looking to manage union relationships and build a clear, focused industrial relations strategy and advising on industrial action and injunctive relief.
- Training — bespoke employment law training for HR professionals, managers and in-house legal teams, with the aim of reducing legal claims.
Talk to us by calling 0333 004 4488, emailing hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form.
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One of the largest employment law teams in Manchester & the country
With over 30 dedicated lawyers and support staff covering all aspects of employment law, we’re one of the biggest specialist teams in England and Wales.
We handle complex and non-contentious employment matters on behalf of employers of all sizes, including large household names.
Our solicitors bring deep understanding and knowledge of industry-specific challenges that employers face across construction, healthcare, hospitality, housing, manufacturing, professional services, recruitment, retail, sport and more. We also help employers to navigate legislative changes, such as the Employment Rights Act.
Members of our team are individually recognised as ‘Leading Partners’, ‘Next Generation Partners’ and ‘Key Lawyers’ in The Legal 500, a leading legal industry directory.
Our team routinely advises businesses and individuals right across the Greater Manchester region, including the city centre, Stockport and Salford.
We also cover the villages and towns across Cheshire, such as Alderley Edge, Knutsford and Wilmslow.
Meet our Manchester employment team
A ‘Top Tier’ Manchester employment law firm
“The ‘top-drawer’ [team] has well-established capabilities handling the full spectrum of employment matters for its clientele, including those relating to recruitment, immigration, discrimination, unfair dismissal and corporate exits.”
The Legal 500
“The [employment] team is very in tune with the needs of its clients. They listen and don't impose some pre-set solution. Instead, they provide sensible advice which is generated from their vast collective experience. The team works very well together.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500
“The [employment] partners and associates are very ‘down-to-earth’ without being condescending. There's an absence of buzzwords and complexity in their discourse without any loss of substance.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500
“Simon Whitehead is very personable and manages a prickly client relationship with aplomb. Hannah Morrison is excellent, on top of the detail, leaves no stone unturned and produces excellent quality work within very short timescales.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500
“The employment team was very responsive and supportive during a difficult period... took the time to understand the unique situation and commercial challenges... advice is clear and comprehensive... they act as a team, not simply a collection of individuals from different areas of specialism.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500
“Brabners pride themselves on client contact, where the client grows with the firm.”
Client feedback, Chambers and Partners 2026
Employment law: expert insights
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Autumn Budget 2025 — what international businesses need to know about UK tax changes
We break down what the Budget means for international employers, investors and multinational groups.
The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights at work — landmark cases that transformed UK employment law
We explore how attitudes, rights and workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people have shifted over the past four decades.
Trade union reform under the Employment Rights Act — trends, priorities & planning implications
We break down the latest and upcoming trade union reforms — from ballot changes and electronic voting to wider union access and new employer duties.
Settlement agreement FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about settlement agreements and executive severance from our specialist employment lawyers.
Unfair dismissal reform under the Employment Rights Act 2025 marks a significant shift for employers
We explore what the changes will mean in practice — from the new six‑month qualifying period to the removal of the statutory cap on the compensatory award.
Supporting employees during Ramadan — a guide for employers
We explain how employers can build supportive, inclusive environments that recognise both personal needs and organisational realities during Ramadan.
The Fair Work Agency — the quietly radical reform set to reshape UK employment enforcement
We discuss what the Fair Work Agency is, what powers it’ll hold and what businesses should be doing now to prepare.
Employment Rights Act roadmap — what’s changing & when
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Reversing DEI commitments? Essential legal guidance for employers
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McLaren v Palou — 5 legal lessons for drafting & managing sports contracts
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2026 horizon scan — key legal & regulatory changes ahead
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Immigration after the 2025 rule changes — protecting the ‘hidden’ sports workforce
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Employment tribunal early conciliation period doubles to 12 weeks
Individuals who want to take an employment case to a tribunal must first take part in a longer conciliation process.
Umbrella company non-compliance — 9 practical tips for recruiters & employers
We outline what’s changing in April 2026 (and beyond) and provide some practical steps that recruiters using umbrella companies need to take.
Unionisation in sport — what the Employment Rights Bill means for clubs & governing bodies
We explore how the Employment Rights Bill reshapes union access, strike rules and workplace protections for sport organisations.
AB v Grafters — why employers can’t ignore off-site harassment
We break down the case of AB v Grafters Group Ltd and explore some key lessons for employers.
Autumn Budget 2025 — what professionals need to know
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Restrictive covenant dispute — Brabners secures successful judgment for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
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Hiring seasonal workers in retail & hospitality — 3 key things to get right
We explore the key legal and practical considerations for retailers hiring seasonal staff.
Breaking the stigma — a guide to miscarriage & employees’ legal rights at work
We explain the legal protections available for employees who miscarry and the steps employers should be taking.
UK sponsor licence holders — legal responsibilities & compliance challenges explained
We explore the key responsibilities of UK sponsor licence holders and highlight the key issues they’re facing in fulfilling their duties.
A purpose-led independent law firm, serving Manchester with passion and pride
Founded in Lancashire in 1815, we're B Corp-certified and have our own independent charity, the Brabners Foundation.
We’re on a mission to make the difference for people, businesses and communities across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire region.
Northern Ambition
The collaborative network for purpose-led businesses. We’re building a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.
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Sustainable Business
In 2022, we proudly became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside London) to become B Corp certified.
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Community Impact
We channel the energy of our public-spirited people and clients towards improving our local communities.
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