At Hutchinson Thomas we are experts in both franchising and employment law and we can ensure that your interests are adequately protected and that your franchise has the benefit of robust employment documentation.
Franchise employment issues
Specialist legal advice and guidance
Our franchise team has in-depth experience of putting complex franchise agreements and accompanying employment documentation in place across a range of sectors and for a variety of franchising models.
We will work with you to understand your business and to ensure that your franchise is underpinned by a strong legal framework. We will tailor our services to your needs and make sure that you understand our recommendations. Our advice is clear and practical and we will be available to speak to you as needed to discuss matters and answer any questions you may have.
Putting employment documentation in place for your franchise
When franchising your enterprise, it is advisable to put the right legal documentation in place from the start and usually to use it with all of your franchisees. This will help keep your business operating smoothly and ensure consistency across your brand.
As well as employment contracts, you may need company handbooks, health and safety policies, company procedures and policies that employees are expected to follow.
We can advise you on what to include in these documents for your particular business and also advise you on issues such as confidentiality, protecting your brand and intellectual property and ancillary employment matters such as auto-enrolment pensions.
Avoiding and resolving employment difficulties within your franchise
If employees are taken on under a uniform process and dealt with similarly, then there is less scope for difficulties, provided the initial contracts are tailored to the needs of your franchise model.
When setting up your franchise, you should consider the level of support you wish to give to your franchisees. While it may seem easier to allow them a degree of control, by overseeing them and assisting with certain matters you can maintain high standards and ensure that employees are dealt with fairly and in a disciplined manner.
By offering support to your franchisees in respect of employment issues, you may make their success more likely. Over time, you will develop a good understanding of employment issues and how best to handle any difficulties. Our franchise team can advise you in respect of employment matters for both you and your franchisees.
In the event that a dispute arises, we are skilled negotiators and we can often resolve any difficulties without the need for protracted legal arguments or litigation.
Contact us
Hutchinson Thomas is the first law firm in Wales to be awarded the Law Society Mark of Excellence. The firm and many of our lawyers are recognised year on year in the Legal 500 publication as leading individuals in their field.
We have wide-ranging experience of the franchise industry and as well as leading expertise we provide an excellent service to our franchisor clients. We will take the time to understand your business needs and make sure we are always available to speak to you when needed to answer any questions you may have.
If you are considering franchising your business or you are already a franchisor and you would like to speak to one of our expert franchise solicitors about employment issues, feel free to call us on the following numbers or fill in our contact form.