Also known as…
Variations include HR adviser, HR manager (employment law) and employment law adviser among others.
What you need to succeed…
The CIPD qualification is normally a requirement, as is a minimum of five years’ HR experience, through which you will have gained an in-depth knowledge of employment law and the issues surrounding it. Excellent communication skills are also a must, along with experience of decision-making and dealing sensitively with contentious issues.
How to get into it…
It is normal to have started out in a generalist position before gaining direct experience of the legal issues that surround employment law. Those who have come from a legal background will generally enter at a more senior level, but it is up to the employer to specify the type of background they require. Larger employers normally have teams dedicated to providing generalist HR advice, and are more likely to seek an employment law specialist from a legal background.
What is involved…
Although job specifications will vary between employers, you can generally expect to be supporting managers, and indeed the business in general, in all aspects of employment law.
This includes ensuring that the company complies with all statutory requirements in terms of employment law, dealing with employees’ disciplinary and grievance issues, gathering evidence and producing reports on all legal matters and representing the organisation at all formal proceedings.
Prospects are…
Currently, very good. Firms are increasingly recognising that having in-house specialists will cut the cost of hiring external representatives, meaning the future is looking bright for employment law experts.
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By Hays
