Robert Whitaker

How can I help you?

I am based in the Bishop's Stortford office and am head of Tees’ employment law department. I am executive partner for our business team - which comprises employment and company and commercial law teams.

I have over 20 years’ experience specialising in employment law since my graduation in 2002, in particular in TUPE, and strategic advice around re-organisations and redundancies. I also advise on Equality Act claims with a particular focus on disability claims and "reasonable adjustments". I have a masters in law (in anti-discrimination law) and am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

I also advise on GDPR and data issues and am the firm's data protection officer.

Delivering what you really need

Employment law is about people, and for me it’s about helping people with practical solutions to legal problems. I’ll work alongside you to pursue your desired objectives – and an effective resolution. I provide practical solutions cost-effectively.

Family friendly rights have become a big part of employment law and whether you want advice on flexible working regulation applications or need help with an Employment Tribunal do contact me. I also do a lot of anti-discrimination law and in particular cases relating to disability discrimination and the duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

I help businesses facing reorganisations including strategic employment law advice on business sales, transfers and mergers. This includes advising on change management, redundancies, closures and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”). We work closely with our commercial colleagues and your other professional advisers for a holistic approach in assisting you on the sale or purchase of a business or with a company restructure.

I handle many workplace dispute resolutions, including advising and assisting on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters that arise. We advise on the development and application of good internal procedures and on best practice. We offer a range of bespoke support services for employers including audits of policies and procedures, ad hoc support and guidance and in-house training. We are routinely involved in advising businesses in drafting and negotiating exit packages with a particular experience in advising on exit processes and terms for senior executives (for both employers and employees).

I act for a variety of clients including in particular the logistic sector, schools and colleges, charities, tech/software companies and a range of professional services including: legal practices, accountancy services, medical practices, design and architecture companies among others.

I also advise on fitness to practice issues and civil aviation/CAA suspension for pilots and the aviation industry.

What else should you know?

I joined Tees in October 2000.

I am a member of my local rotary (and compliance officer) and vice chair governor at a local secondary school.

I regularly advice on employment law issues including providing interviews to media outlets including local BBC and ITV television and media. I have assisted Anglia Ruskin University in Live learning initiatives in conjunction with their faculty of law. I am also a pro bono adviser to the ARU's law clinic.

In my spare time I enjoy food and drink, music and motors, but most of all spending time with my family. When I get a moment's peace I am also a keen member of the RSPB.