Andy Burnham signals reform of non-compete clauses — what could change?
We explain the reforms that could be on the horizon and what employers should be doing now to prepare.
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.
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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.
We're proud supporters of the North West and North Wales HR Director of the Year Awards, which celebrate the region’s best HR leaders.
Meet our Manchester employment team
A ‘Top Tier’ Manchester employment law firm
“Brabners is my go-to firm when I need any help from a legal perspective. The employment team is always brilliant to deal with — helpful, speaking in plain English (not legal jargon) and commercial in outlook and approach.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2027
“Brabners' employment team, led by Nick Campbell, is very much an extension of our in-house HR team. We rely on them for their depth of knowledge of employment law and their ability to translate that into commercial solutions.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2027
Employment law: expert insights
Preventing sexual harassment — how employers can meet the new 'all reasonable steps' duty
The changes taking effect in October 2026, what they mean in practice and how employers can strengthen their approach to prevention.
Employment tribunal time limits doubled — 5 key priorities for employers
We break down what’s changed, how the transitional provisions work and what employers need to be thinking about now.
Landmark CAS ruling on pregnancy discrimination — 5 lessons for women’s football
Learn more about the background to the case, why the ruling matters for maternity protections in women’s football and the key lessons for football clubs.
MCC’s female membership consultation — what sports organisations need to know
A look at what the MCC’s consultation may mean in practice, potential legal risks and considerations for organisations looking to increase representation.
‘Fire & rehire’ practices to be outlawed under the Employment Rights Act
We outline what employers need to know about the changes to fire and rehire, including four key steps to take in preparation.
Holiday law changes from 2026 — what employers need to know & do
We explore what the new record-keeping requirements mean for employers, the risks of non-compliance and steps that organisations should take now.
Collective consultation overhaul — 3 key steps for employers
We explore the collective consultation overhaul and detail what’s changing, the associated risks and how employers should prepare.
DSARs in the age of AI — why you should resist the siren call of simplicity
Our data protection team examines the risks of relying on oversimplified legal arguments in DSAR disputes and highlights key lessons for data controllers.
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.
Beyond zero & low hours contracts — how can hospitality work remain flexible?
The Government's 'ending one-sided flexibility' consultation signals significant change for hospitality employers. We explore what employers need to know.
Day one paternity & parental leave — what the reforms mean for employers
From 6 April 2026, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave have become day one rights. Here's what's changed and what it means in practice for employers.
FIFA’s new landmark women coaches rule — what clubs & governing bodies need to know
Competing in certain women’s tournaments must now include women in coaching roles on the bench. We explore the implications for clubs and NGBs.
Brabners adds six to partnership in record year for partner promotions
We've announced our largest-ever round of Partner promotions, with six lawyers joining the partnership following another year of sustained growth.
FTT rules that football referees aren’t employees — key takeaways from PGMOL
We explores how the FTT reached its decision and outline the key takeaways for businesses navigating employment status issues.
New research shows rising workplace conflict in retail & hospitality — 5 key findings for employers
We explore what the Acas research reveals and outline how retail and hospitality employers can respond early and effectively.
Selling a healthcare business? 5 practical tips to consider
We share five practical tips for those preparing to sell their healthcare business, focusing on preparation, timing and working with the right advisers.
Whistleblowing & sexual harassment — a new era of protection from April 2026
We explain exactly what’s changing, how the new protections will work and what employers need to know.
Statutory Sick Pay reforms — what’s changed?
We explore the changes to Statutory Sick Pay that are due to come into effect from 6 April 2026 and outline what they’ll mean for employers.
Hugh’s Law — statutory paid leave for parents of critically & seriously ill children
We explore Brentford FC’s landmark adoption of Hugh’s Law and its wider implications for supporting parents of critically ill children.
April 2026 changes to NMW, statutory payments & employment tribunal awards
We discuss the increases to statutory payments, national minimum wage rates and unfair dismissal compensation from April 2026.
Cross-border executive appointments — key UK tax & corporate considerations
We outline the key payroll, tax and governance issues that overseas companies typically face when appointing a UK‑based executive.
Managing tax risks for internationally mobile employees — 6 practical steps for employers
We outline the key UK tax issues for employers sending staff to the UK and highlight steps to stay compliant while maximising reliefs.
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.
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.
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