Simon Gilmour

Simon is a highly experienced employment lawyer who has been advising businesses on employment and HR matters since qualifying in 1994. As Head of Employment at Harper James, he works closely with businesses to solve complex people-related issues. Simon has spent more than 30 years advising businesses on complex workplace issues, including 18 years as a partner and Head of Department.

Simon helps employers manage their people with confidence, providing practical, commercially focused advice that reflects both the legal position and the realities of running a business. He works with organisations of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups and scale-ups to global businesses, with particular experience in the technology sector.

His work covers the full scope of the employment relationship, from recruitment and contractual documentation through to workplace disputes, dismissals and post-termination protection.

Simon advises businesses on:

• employment contracts, policies and related documentation
• complex disciplinary and grievance processes
• bullying, harassment and whistleblowing allegations
• dismissals, settlement agreements and negotiated exits
• protecting confidential information, intellectual property, clients and employees through appropriate contractual restrictions, including their enforcement
• employment tribunal claims, including advocacy
• trade union matters and collective disputes

Simon has expertise in managing the people issues that arise during periods of significant business change. This includes TUPE transfers and service provision changes, company sales and acquisitions, and large-scale restructures and redundancy programmes.

Simon takes a pragmatic and business-focused approach – working closely with senior leaders to understand what they are trying to achieve and develop employment solutions that manage legal risk without losing sight of their wider commercial objectives.

Simon has advised businesses across a broad range of industries, including:

• technology, particularly fintech, software and digital infrastructure
• creative industries, including media, entertainment, publishing, advertising and marketing
• life sciences and healthcare, including biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and professional healthcare practices
• energy, utilities and environmental businesses, including renewable energy and oil and gas
• the public sector and local government
• retail, luxury brands and fashion
• manufacturing, automotive and transport
• hospitality, travel, sports and leisure

Outside work, Simon enjoys spending time with his two sons, watching his youngest son play rugby, keeping fit and travelling.