Who we are 

JMW is a leading commercial law firm and the REC's exclusive legal partner. We focus on providing a comprehensive range of legal services combined with practical and commercial advice. 

We understand that your time is precious and the unique pressures of running a business in the recruitment industry. JMW’s expertise in recruitment law is long-standing, recognised nationally and we pride ourselves on our personable and effective service. 

What we do 

Commercial:

• Taking steps to protect your business, including providing advice on drafting restrictive covenants and enforcement issues;
• Drafting and reviewing terms of business with clients, neutral/master vendor agreements, service level agreements, statements of work and more;
• Advice on expanding into new markets and models and relevant legal considerations that apply;

Employment:

• Advising on the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (“Conduct Regulations”) and related issues (such as compliance obligations and transfer fee disputes);
• Advising on the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (“AWR”), including implementing processes and policies, addressing complaints and representation in tribunal claims;
• Advising on employment law status issues and reviewing terms alongside tax advisors  linked to IR35 or other tax legislation changes;
• Advising on potential employment liabilities arising out of the umbrella company tax legislation introduced in April 2026;
• Conducting recruitment business audits;
• Drafting and reviewing terms of terms of engagement (including contracts for services (for both PAYE and outside IR35 limited company contractors) and contracts of employment);
• Advice on handling employee/worker/self-employed contractor issues;

Litigation:

• Assisting you with employment tribunal claims and responding to such claims;
• Advice on FWA disputes and drafting and conducting appeals;
• Advice on other litigious matters and taking steps to protect your business including injunctions, claims for damages/account of profit, breaches of restrictive covenants, assistance with county/high court claims linked to breach of terms etc;

Regulatory:

• Regulatory compliance with sector regulation: AWR, Conduct Regulations, GLAA as well as sector specific regulation;
• Health and safety issues;
• Advising on gangmaster licensing standards and related regulatory issues;

Property:

• Property transactions arising from the acquisition/disposal of a recruitment business and dealing with general property and lease issues;

Private Client:

• Assisting you and other senior individuals in the business with private client matters including wills, estate planning and family/matrimonial matters;

Immigration:

• Immigration advice: advising you on bringing overseas nationals into the UK to work. Assisting with individual visa applications and immigration issues;

Corporate and tax:

• Advice in relation to future planning and corporate transactions such as the acquisition and disposal of recruitment businesses;
• Advising on potential liabilities arising out of the umbrella company tax legislation introduced in April 2026 and the implications for your supply chain;
• Advising on IR35 and off-payroll rules compliance; 

Employment law reforms:

• Advising on current and future employment law reforms such as those arising under the Employment Rights Act 2025 and their potential implications for your business.

This is not an exhaustive list. We also host webinars and provide legal updates to keep those in the recruitment industry and other employers informed.

Specialist expertise 

Our Employment team is recognised nationally by the independent legal guide Legal 500 as a true specialist in its field. Paul Chamberlain, Simon Bloch, Belinda Brooke, Emma James and other members of our specialist recruitment sector team have in depth expertise and knowledge of the industry, having provided advice and support to it for many years.  We have an excellent track record and reputation for anticipating problems and finding solutions quickly and efficiently.

Find out more about JMW Solicitors People Solutions services

Contact details

Whether you're refining your business model, entering new sectors or require other legal support, we’re here to help you.  

If you're a REC member and looking for legal support and advice, please call one of our expert solicitors today. Remember to let them know you are an REC member

• Paul Chamberlain – 0161 838 2762  
• Simon Bloch – 0161 838 2628 
• Emma James – 0161 507 1021 
• Belinda Brooke – 0204 630 5933

Alternatively, please email your query through to paul.chamberlain@jmw.co.uk and simon.bloch@jmw.co.uk (joint heads of department in the employment team).