Francesca Smith

Francesca is a Principal Associate in our Employment, Labor and Pensions group, with significant experience of advising on all aspects of employment law.

Francesca has advised on a range of areas, including TUPE, redundancies and restructures and discrimination in the workplace. Francesca regularly advises employers in relation to defending employment tribunal claims and has particular experience of advising in relation to more complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Francesca's experience includes reviewing and drafting contracts of employment, drafting and negotiating settlement and COT3 agreements, staff policies and handbooks, and advising employers on how to manage long-term/persistent absences, employee performance issues and disciplinary and grievance issues. Francesca provides regular training to employers in a range of areas including bullying and harassment in the workplace, flexible working, right to work and employment law updates.

Francesca is also part of our immigration team advising sponsor license holders on immigration matters. Recent experience includes advising private and education clients in relation to migrant staff and student issues, compliance with sponsorship obligations and undertaking internal mock audits for clients to prepare them for UKVI inspections.