GQ|Littler
UK Guide 2025
About
Firm Overview:
GQ|Littler is a leading specialist law firm for employers. The firm was founded in 2010, based on an in-house advising style matching the risk appetite of clients and fostering a culture that prioritises inclusivity and diversity.
Our business model is based solely on how best to help businesses solve employee related issues. We attract and retain top talent, provide clients with greater partner involvement and use technology solutions to provide clients with a more personal, risk-based and solutions-focused service. In delivering legal advice we see ourselves as risk managers and business consultants as much as lawyers. We seek to identify each client’s attitude to risk and internal culture and recommend practical solutions that align with these.
Over the last 13 years the firm has gone from strength to strength attracting a team of 35 top of the class lawyers in London and a growing team in Dublin. We operate as part of Littler, the world’s largest employment law firm. Littler has more than 1,700 employment lawyers practising across 28 countries worldwide.
Principal areas of work: The firm’s legal expertise covers employment (including multi-jurisdictional projects, High Court and Employment Tribunal litigation and transaction support) and we continue to develop and invest in our “one stop shop” service covering all legal issues relating to our client’s workforce including share schemes/incentives, data protection, business immigration and client training. Our client base spans a wide range of sectors including financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services, and luxury goods, in the UK and internationally.
We continue to work with a number of the US “white shoe” law firms who do not have employment law capability in London and outside the US on a range of large-scale global transactions, where we provide a single point of contact for all the global employment law issues on a deal.
The firm has particular expertise in relation to:
- Complex multi-jurisdictional HR projects
- High Court litigation related to any people issues in the workplace including disputes with contractors, restrictive covenants, confidential information, poaching and team moves
- High-value Employment Tribunal litigation including discrimination and whistle-blowing
- Employment law aspects of M&A transactions, outsourcing, insourcing and off-shoring
- Business restructuring and large-scale redundancy programmes
- Executive/senior employee hiring and firing
- Data protection & workplace technology
- Trade union, industrial relations, collective bargaining and Works Council issues
- Employee incentives and share schemes
- Business Immigration
- Mental health in the workplace
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Employment law training
We are committed to:
- A balanced and diverse firm and partnership team
- A partnering style that focuses on each client’s individual risk appetite and culture
- A rewarding and liberating environment for ambitious and entrepreneurial lawyers to develop
- Top quality, partner-led advice and a single source solution provider to global businesses
- Lawyers with a proven track record of handling the most demanding and complex issues
- Alternative fee structures
- A ‘one’ approach for international projects: one work product format, one invoice, one responsible partner and one coordinated fee proposal
Ranked Offices
Provided by GQ|Littler
- London125 Wood St, London, Greater London, UK, EC2V 7AN
- Web: www.gqlittler.com
- Tel: (020) 3375 0330
- Fax: (0203) 375 0332
- View ranked office
GQ|Littler rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
43 items provided by GQ|Littler
Black History Month 2024: reclaiming narratives
This Black History month, we reflect on the persisting legacy of Rosa Parks and her undeniable impact on the fight for equality.
Menopause awareness in the workplace
In light of World Menopause Day 2024, we explore the developments and updates that have been made in the space this year.
The Employment Rights Bill - phase one of employment law reform
We summarise some of the key headlines for employers, including likely timings, what’s in the Bill and what’s not.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and equal pay: what the hit Netflix show tells us about
We explore the concept of "work of equal value" and how employers with employees in the EU can prepare for the implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive.
(Allegedly) criminal employees: how to handle the related HR issues
With several high-profile convictions hitting the headlines, we unpack the employment law elements and other risks that come into play when an employee is accused, charged or convicted of a crime.
Cross-border legal perspectives: comparing the UK and Germany's approaches to unfair dismissal
Welcome to our new bi-monthly series, where we compare employment law and practice from an international perspective, drawing on the experience of local and international employment lawyers who deal with these issues every day.
What immigration changes can employers expect from the Labour government?
Labour's manifesto vowed to lower net immigration each year and reduce the UK's reliance on overseas workers - what does this mean for employers?
New duty to prevent sexual harassment – guidance for employers
From 26th October 2024, all employers will have a new duty to proactively take "reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.
"Make it AI" - how can AI be used in HR?
AI is a practical tool that is transforming HR functions in the workplace. We summarise the key uses of AI in HR and touch on the potential downfalls that employers should be mindful of.
(Allegedly) criminal employees: how to handle the related HR issues
With several high-profile convictions hitting the headlines, we unpack the employment law elements and other risks that come into play when an employee is accused, charged or convicted of a crime.
Legislation round-up: what was passed in the Parliamentary wash up?
We provide an overview of the legislation approved by Parliament during the 'wash-up' period.
Awareness to action: the progress and future of UK disability laws
This Disability Pride Month, we look to the past, present and future to examine how rights for people with disabilities in the workplace have developed and could develop further, before giving some practical steps for employers.
EAT confirms future claims can be settled
We discuss the impact of the decision in Clifford v IBM United Kingdom Ltd [2024] on whether future claims can be waived by settlement agreements.
New duty to prevent sexual harassment – how can you comply?
Under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 all employers will have a brand new duty to proactively take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees in the course of their employment. How can you comply with this duty?
Section 28 and its long shadow
Senior Partner Paul Quain reflects on the legacy of Section 28 and its similar global descendants.
GDPR Day 2024: a look at past, present and future developments
The 25th May 2024 marked six years since the General Data Protection Regulation has been in effect. We look at the key developments since it's introduction and in the future.
The new flexible working regime: how will this impact remote and hybrid work?
We explore the shifting perspectives on remote and hybrid working, and the potential impact of recent changes to the flexible working regime.
On the horizon: two new EU directives for UK and Irish employers
We outline the key facts of the EU's two newest directives that will impact UK and Irish employers; the Platform Work Directive and the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive.
Firing and rehiring: a new code
The UK government republished a statutory Code of Practice on firing and rehiring, which will come into force before the Parliamentary recess on 23rd July 2024.
Pay transparency: is change afoot in the UK?
We explore some of the broader pay gap reporting, pay equity and pay transparency developments, and predict how these wider external influences may lead to future change for UK employers.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade v Mercer [2024]
The long and winding road of the Mercer case has taken yet another U-turn. The Supreme Court’s judgment, published on 17 April has brought some clarity and potentially some finality to a difficult area of UK trade union law (even if the practical implications are yet to be worked out).
New redundancy protection regulations for individuals who are pregnant or on parental leave
We outline the Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave and Shared Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 which come into effect on 6 April 2024.
Election news: Labour – all “change” for employment law
The UK general election on 4 July is inching nearer and the parties have launched their manifestos, setting out their plans for the next government.
Sports in the news : Manchester United calls for employees to return to the office or resign
Recent news reports revealed that Manchester United staff were given an ultimatum to either return to the office full-time or resign and accept an early bonus payment.
New regulations to preserve EU-derived equality principles
We explore the changes made to the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) and what this means for employers.
Big changes in the law of holiday
There have been significant recent developments to the rules on annual leave; we take a look at these regulations and what employers should be doing to prepare.
The new carer's leave entitlement and what it means for employers
Employees in England, Scotland and Wales will have a statutory entitlement to take one week of unpaid carer’s leave from 6 April 2024 onwards.
Employment law forecast: emerging challenges and trends for 2024
In this article, we take a step back to look at some of the key employment law trends and challenges that employers are likely to face over the coming year and how best to be ready to deal with them.
Tribunal overturns dismissal for prank at work: a win for workplace banter?
With April Fools Day just around the corner, we summarise the relevant facts in Richardson v West Midlands Trains Ltd and provide some guidance on how employers can assess whether a workplace prank is appropriate or not.
Is a bonus clawback provision a restraint of trade?
In this article, we summarise what this judgment means for employers who offer or would like to offer incentive schemes where an employee is expected to pay back some of their reward in certain circumstances.
Black History Month 2024: reclaiming narratives
This Black History month, we reflect on the persisting legacy of Rosa Parks and her undeniable impact on the fight for equality.
Menopause awareness in the workplace
In light of World Menopause Day 2024, we explore the developments and updates that have been made in the space this year.
The Employment Rights Bill - phase one of employment law reform
We summarise some of the key headlines for employers, including likely timings, what’s in the Bill and what’s not.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and equal pay: what the hit Netflix show tells us about
We explore the concept of "work of equal value" and how employers with employees in the EU can prepare for the implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive.
(Allegedly) criminal employees: how to handle the related HR issues
With several high-profile convictions hitting the headlines, we unpack the employment law elements and other risks that come into play when an employee is accused, charged or convicted of a crime.
Cross-border legal perspectives: comparing the UK and Germany's approaches to unfair dismissal
Welcome to our new bi-monthly series, where we compare employment law and practice from an international perspective, drawing on the experience of local and international employment lawyers who deal with these issues every day.
What immigration changes can employers expect from the Labour government?
Labour's manifesto vowed to lower net immigration each year and reduce the UK's reliance on overseas workers - what does this mean for employers?
New duty to prevent sexual harassment – guidance for employers
From 26th October 2024, all employers will have a new duty to proactively take "reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.
"Make it AI" - how can AI be used in HR?
AI is a practical tool that is transforming HR functions in the workplace. We summarise the key uses of AI in HR and touch on the potential downfalls that employers should be mindful of.
(Allegedly) criminal employees: how to handle the related HR issues
With several high-profile convictions hitting the headlines, we unpack the employment law elements and other risks that come into play when an employee is accused, charged or convicted of a crime.
Legislation round-up: what was passed in the Parliamentary wash up?
We provide an overview of the legislation approved by Parliament during the 'wash-up' period.
Awareness to action: the progress and future of UK disability laws
This Disability Pride Month, we look to the past, present and future to examine how rights for people with disabilities in the workplace have developed and could develop further, before giving some practical steps for employers.
EAT confirms future claims can be settled
We discuss the impact of the decision in Clifford v IBM United Kingdom Ltd [2024] on whether future claims can be waived by settlement agreements.
New duty to prevent sexual harassment – how can you comply?
Under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 all employers will have a brand new duty to proactively take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees in the course of their employment. How can you comply with this duty?
Section 28 and its long shadow
Senior Partner Paul Quain reflects on the legacy of Section 28 and its similar global descendants.
GDPR Day 2024: a look at past, present and future developments
The 25th May 2024 marked six years since the General Data Protection Regulation has been in effect. We look at the key developments since it's introduction and in the future.
The new flexible working regime: how will this impact remote and hybrid work?
We explore the shifting perspectives on remote and hybrid working, and the potential impact of recent changes to the flexible working regime.
On the horizon: two new EU directives for UK and Irish employers
We outline the key facts of the EU's two newest directives that will impact UK and Irish employers; the Platform Work Directive and the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive.
Firing and rehiring: a new code
The UK government republished a statutory Code of Practice on firing and rehiring, which will come into force before the Parliamentary recess on 23rd July 2024.
Pay transparency: is change afoot in the UK?
We explore some of the broader pay gap reporting, pay equity and pay transparency developments, and predict how these wider external influences may lead to future change for UK employers.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade v Mercer [2024]
The long and winding road of the Mercer case has taken yet another U-turn. The Supreme Court’s judgment, published on 17 April has brought some clarity and potentially some finality to a difficult area of UK trade union law (even if the practical implications are yet to be worked out).
New redundancy protection regulations for individuals who are pregnant or on parental leave
We outline the Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave and Shared Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 which come into effect on 6 April 2024.
Election news: Labour – all “change” for employment law
The UK general election on 4 July is inching nearer and the parties have launched their manifestos, setting out their plans for the next government.
Sports in the news : Manchester United calls for employees to return to the office or resign
Recent news reports revealed that Manchester United staff were given an ultimatum to either return to the office full-time or resign and accept an early bonus payment.
New regulations to preserve EU-derived equality principles
We explore the changes made to the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) and what this means for employers.
Big changes in the law of holiday
There have been significant recent developments to the rules on annual leave; we take a look at these regulations and what employers should be doing to prepare.
The new carer's leave entitlement and what it means for employers
Employees in England, Scotland and Wales will have a statutory entitlement to take one week of unpaid carer’s leave from 6 April 2024 onwards.
Employment law forecast: emerging challenges and trends for 2024
In this article, we take a step back to look at some of the key employment law trends and challenges that employers are likely to face over the coming year and how best to be ready to deal with them.
Tribunal overturns dismissal for prank at work: a win for workplace banter?
With April Fools Day just around the corner, we summarise the relevant facts in Richardson v West Midlands Trains Ltd and provide some guidance on how employers can assess whether a workplace prank is appropriate or not.
Is a bonus clawback provision a restraint of trade?
In this article, we summarise what this judgment means for employers who offer or would like to offer incentive schemes where an employee is expected to pay back some of their reward in certain circumstances.