Experience

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During a 15 year career as an Employment Solicitor, Andrew dealt with all aspects of employment law from routine HR enquiries to matters such as bullying and harassment, disability discrimination, fraud, theft of confidential information and breaches of restrictive covenants.

Andrew’s particular strengths lie in advising on complex and sensitive discrimination matters and Employment Tribunal litigation in general with an emphasis on evidential analysis and litigation tactics. Andrew is also a skilled negotiator with significant experience in negotiating executive severance packages.

During his career Andrew has represented companies from PLCs to SMEs, high profile individuals including those in the media, music and technology industries, football clubs, trade unions, charities and individuals.

Andrew is also a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Andrew has been recognised in The Legal 500 (UK) for his work at BHP Law, with the 2017 directory entry stating:-

BHP Law has a ‘small but strong’ practice led by the ‘very client-friendly’ Andrew Lightburn, who is ‘incredibly responsive and calm’ and has notable expertise in bullying and harassment issues, disability discrimination, TUPE matters, data theft and restrictive covenant breaches. Recent highlights include advising on restructurings and redundancies, handling TUPE transfers for public and private sector clients, and assisting directors and senior executives with termination issues.

Highlights of cases Andrew has acted in

Click on the links below for press coverage of each case.

Cima –v- Historic Royal Palaces

Acting for Major General Cima, the Governor of the Tower of London in a high profile case for whistleblowing which received a lot of media attention.

Tower of London Governor believed staff allegations before they were proved
Ex Governor of Tower feared for his safety, tribunal hears
Employment tribunal of former Tower of London governor claiming unfair dismissal
Sacked Tower of London boss was blocked from getting other jobs after ‘interview panels were briefed against him’

Sturdy –v- Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Acting for Linda Sturdy in a case of age discrimination and victimisation which successfully resulted in compensation in a significant award of compensation and the highest ever award of injury to feelings at that time.

NHS manager wins £180,000 payout over age claim… a year after she pocketed almost £40,000
NHS manager faces £500,000 compensation in age discrimination case

Ruddick –v- Reliance Security

Acting for Gavin Ruddick in a case which was a landmark case for the security industry and the provision of rest breaks for security guards.

Guard wins right to take toilet breaks during shift
Guard wins work break victory
Settlement for victimised guard
Tribunal ruling permits breaks for security guards

Oakland –v- Wellswood

Acting in a leading case (at the time) on the interpretation of insolvency provisions in TUPE.

Oakland v Wellswood (Yorkshire) Ltd

Crothers –v- Mulholland

Successfully acting for and representing Mr Crothers in the Belfast Industrial Tribunal in a case of unfair dismissal and age discrimination.

Case judgement

Gilmore & Others –v- Vodafone

Successfully acting for Mrs Gilmore who was one of a team of senior sales executive in a long running high value whistleblowing case against the telecoms giant. Collectively the award of compensation was one of the highest in 2015.

Gilmore and others v Vodafone Ltd

Other media coverage

College defends tribunal payout

‘Elvis’ sacked for singing
Elvis impersonator gets the blues over sacking

Articles on the internet

Andrew Lightburn, Associate And Employment Law Specialist

Ban the bullies – British Baker

Bdaily – Andrew Lightburn’ Profile

Caught on camera –top tips on monitoring staff

Contact

If you would like to arrange a free initial telephone consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0113 871 5909, 07518 256075 or by email at andrew@lightburnlegal.co.uk.

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