Ward Hadaway strengthens employment team in Birmingham

Ward Hadaway has expanded its employment team with the recent appointment of Chris Piggott as a partner at the firm’s Birmingham office. Chris advises commercial organisations ranging from SMEs to large corporates on a variety of employment law matters, including issues pertinent to sectors such as recruitment, financial services, and further education. Highly regarded throughout the West Midlands for his pragmatic and commercially driven advice, Chris brings over three decades of experience to the role. Notably, he is train-the-trainer accredited and has delivered HR and workplace training for a range of businesses, including FTSE 100 operations.

Harmajinder Hayre, Head of Employment at Ward Hadaway, expressed the necessity for expert guidance in the contemporary workforce, stating that “employers are increasingly dealing with more complexity in the workplace, from day-to-day HR decisions to disputes, restructures and sensitive employee relations issues.” He highlighted the impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025, which the UK Government is currently phasing in, and the imperative for organisations to remain compliant. “Chris understands these pressures and has spent his career advising employers on decisions that often need to be made quickly, and where the legal position must be balanced with the needs of the business.”

Chris’s training background is anticipated to provide clients with a unique viewpoint. “Many employers want their managers to deal with issues earlier and with more confidence, and Chris has the experience to help them do that,” Hayre added. His appointment brings an additional dimension to Ward Hadaway’s Birmingham team, which is focused on expanding its commercial services throughout the region.

Chris Piggott himself remarked on the growth of the Birmingham office, noting that “the chance to be a part of the nationally recognised team as it further develops its employment services across the West Midlands was a strong reason for joining.” He emphasised the necessity for tailored advice, stating that “businesses want advice that fits the way they operate.” Chris pointed out that while a recruitment startup and a further education college may face similar people issues, the commercial context can differ significantly. “My role is about understanding that context and giving informed advice that helps employers make decisions, whether that is on a specific workplace matter, a wider HR question or training for managers.”

With recognition from Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, Chris’s expertise spans topics such as TUPE, staff reorganisations, injunctive relief, and restrictive covenant matters. This expertise significantly bolsters Ward Hadaway’s national employment team. Managing Partner Steven Petrie highlighted the strategic importance of Chris’s addition, stating that “bringing Chris on board is another significant step for our Birmingham office.” He acknowledged the diverse employer base in the West Midlands, from owner-managed enterprises to larger corporations, asserting that employment law is essential in how these businesses manage change, risk, and their workforce. “Chris brings strong relationships in the region, sector breadth and the acumen that comes from advising employers over many years. He will be an important part of the firm’s continued growth in Birmingham.”