Worker shortage results in jobs growth for HR and employment law firm

National staff shortages and employees seeking a better work-life balance has led to a surge in business and a bigger workforce at a Sheffield headquartered employment and HR law firm.

Bhayani Law’s recently-launched recruitment arm has seen vacancies increase by 80 per cent over the last six months - anticipated growth given the current jobs climate.

Vacancies are coming predominantly from the firm’s existing client base and range from part-time admin roles to Head of People and Charity Chief Executive roles.

But there has also been a 30 paper cent increase in demand for its HR support and employment law expertise.

The company, launched in 2014 by former Yorkshire Employment Lawyer of the Year Jay Bhayani, has set on four new employees to keep pace with demand in Sheffield and at its branches in Leeds, Leicester and Barnsley.

A flood of clients from a range of sectors have signed up to the company’s tailored monthly HR support service, Watertight, in the last 12 months.

“They recognise that, during a candidate shortage, the best way to protect their businesses is to retain and reward valued staff and are placing more importance on HR. They want to find out what employees want so they can better support them,” said MD Jay.

The company’s employment law caseload has doubled, fuelled mainly by employees determined to stand up for their rights.

Jay added: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing more unhappy workers prepared to go to tribunal instead of letting things lie. The furlough scheme and working from home gave them time to think - and strive for a better work-life balance. A new generation of employees hasn’t ever worked in a workplace.

“In addition, they feel more confident about standing up for themselves at a time when they believe it will be relatively easy to find new jobs. This highlights the importance employers should place on avoiding discord by having effective HR in place.”

Sheffield-based- Rubber Safety Hygiene Ltd is one of Bhayani Law’s newest clients. Its MD Rob Hand said: “We have recently signed up to the Watertight plan. We are very aware that it is currently a candidate’s market and therefore wanted to make sure that we are doing all we can to attract and retain staff.

“Ensuring that we are compliant with all of our legal requirements is a must, but the advice that we get goes so much further than basic legal compliance and in fact ensures that we are an employer of choice.”

To cope with demand, Bhayani Law’s workforce has recently grown by 40 per cent and an additional corporate lawyer is sought as the firm’s business legal services expand.

Employment lawyer Nikita Shergill is bolstering the company’s office in Belgrave Gate, Leicester, established in 2020.

The arrival of Charlotte Bates and Blythe Roberts boosts Bhayani Recruitment, which launched in 2021 and recently helped Sheffield charities Heeley City Farm, Ashiana, Sheffield Hospitals Charity Trust and St Luke’s Hospice source new senior appointments including CEO, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Head of People and Culture.