Thorntons’ Employment Law team has announced the introduction of a new range of HR and Employment Law Support Packages designed to support the needs of SMEs.

Recognised for its employer-focused and practical advice, Thorntons’ Employment Law team has developed two packages that provide the right level of ongoing support employment law and HR support for a fixed monthly fee, bringing cost certainty to business’ legal and HR fees.

“Our Advice Line package gives an unlimited telephone advice line, where one of our specialist employment lawyers will be available to answer any employment related queries, 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday,” said Thorntons employment partner Noele McClelland.

“We will strive to get to know our clients’ businesses to ensure our commercial advice is tailored to their precise needs, making this a genuinely bespoke service.”

Clients will also be provided with a comprehensive set of HR documents drafted by specialist lawyers – which will be accessible through an online client portal allowing documents to be accessed at any time – and will also be able to access employment law updates and bulletins.

The price of the Advice Line package starts from only £83 plus VAT per month for a business with up to 10 employees.

“In addition to everything included in the Advice Line, our HR Plus package gives clients a fully customised service with documents tailored to suit their business needs,” added Noele.

“We will undertake an audit of policies and procedures – together with training seminars and regular on-site meetings– to ensure that each business is compliant with current employment law.”

The prices of the HR Plus package starts from £100 per month for a business with up to 10 employees. With HR Plus, Thorntons can also offer the added protection of employment practices and Health & Safety insurance to provide cover in the event that businesses do face an employment claim.

Noele said: “These packages offer businesses access to legal advice without the worry of escalating legal fees. However our clients also benefit from the fact that advice and correspondence between a solicitor and a client is protected by legal advice privilege, where the main purpose is to seek legal advice. This is not an option for other non-lawyers or internal communications on HR matters, and gives added protection to our clients in relation to sensitive employment matters thereby avoiding the risk that it could be disclosed if an employee makes a subject access request under the Data Protection Act 1998.”

If you wish to enquire further about any of the packages available, or to enquire about the One Month Free Trial, please contact Noele, Employment Partner on 0131 225 8705 or nmcclelland@thorntons-law.co.uk.