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Lara was experiencing problems with her employer following a merger, and turned to Employment and Immigration Associate Heidi Cooper for support and advice. Heidi guided Lara through the process of a ‘without prejudice’ meeting with her employer to explore the possibility of exiting the business on agreed terms. Heidi also explained Lara’s employment rights to her, so she was more fully able to understand her position. Heidi’s expertise led to Lara achieving a successful outcome, leaving the business on terms which both sides agreed to. Following this, Lara said: “Heidi is a true professional in her field. Building understanding of the matter in hand, providing clear guidance in simple to understand terms and direction through to resolution. “Equally, if not more, importantly. Heidi is compassionate and caring. Through what has been a very challenging time, Heidi gave me total confidence that I had the best representation to achieve a successful outcome. “I would have no hesitation in recommending her or employing her services again should I need.” Heidi said: “I’m pleased I could help Lara through what can be a difficult process. It’s important to come to an agreement which works for both sides, and Lara can now move on with her life.”

Following selection for redundancy, Simon spoke to Employment and Immigration Associate Heidi Cooper for advice and support during what could be a stressful time. Heidi’s expertise in employment law meant she was able to advise Simon on the correct process his employer should follow for the selection and redundancy. She also outlined any potential claims he may have against his employer should the process not be followed correctly. Following Heidi’s advice, Simon left the business having received an enhanced redundancy offer under agreeable terms. He provided this testimonial: “Heidi provided excellent professional advice but with a commercial perspective, allowing me to fully understand the implications of my actions. Her attention to detail and prompt response to any queries raised was exceptional. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to friends and colleagues.”

Justin was struggling with a grievance against his employer. He turned to Employment and Immigration Associate Heidi Cooper for assistance. The issues that Justin was facing were having a significant effect on his health and wellbeing. Heidi advised him on his employment rights and helped him with his grievance. She also successfully negotiated his exit from the business of agreeable terms. Following his exit from the company, Justin received a settlement, which has helped to put the issue behind him and move on. Heidi received this testimonial from her client’s wife following the settlement: “Thank you so much for everything you have done – your support, understanding and empathy through this entire process has been so valuable, and we both really appreciate it. “We most definitely could not have got this far without you to guide us, and to have this settlement will really help in terms of closure for Justin.”

Like every other worker in 2020, the volunteer advisers of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have been through the wringer with the trials of isolation and remote working. But as a 20,000 strong network of unpaid workers who give their spare time willingly, often around other jobs, the effects often feel more severe. Earlier this year the CAB, via a volunteer, approached Harrison Clark Rickerbys for assistance in supporting staff. Advisers and staff overwhelmingly wanted a webinar in employment law and Heidi Cooper, an employment and immigration solicitor, stepped up to the plate to deliver online training for all CAB staff in Hereford and Worcester. She said: “The Citizens Advice Bureau provide an extremely valuable service, supporting those who often don’t know where to turn for advice. With the strain of Covid-19 on many people’s jobs, the volunteers were receiving more employment questions than ever before, and in a complex and evolving area of law, it is important to stay up to date. “I was more than happy to give a little time to those who give a lot and I am looking forward to running another session for them (specifically on redundancy) in September/October time, towards the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, when redundancies will, sadly, be very relevant.” And according to Gwen Fraser, Volunteer Operations and Training Manager for CAB, who acknowledged that “at this time, it is more important than ever for us to be able to respond to our volunteers' wants and needs”, Heidi’s input was exactly the tonic required: “Heidi delivered that webinar in spades yesterday. She is so incredibly enthusiastic about her role and her sheer delight in her chosen area of law was like a breath of fresh air to all of us struggling with trying to fathom out how to advise our clients facing redundancies, discrimination, apparently unfair practices and the fallout from the pandemic. An extremely complex area of law! Her presentation slides were excellent, to the point and pitched at just the right level for advisers with no legal background. She spoke fluently and knowledgeably and gave thorough and detailed answers to questions from the group at exactly the right level for the educated layman. I have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from the attendees, including one from a professional online trainer saying it was one of the best online sessions they had ever been on, alongside other comments about the training being 'useful', 'brilliant' and 'extremely helpful'. It was a thoroughly professional and useful session delivered in such a friendly and engaging manner that I hope you will allow Heidi to do another session for us soon.”