Laura Wonnacott > Ashfords LLP > Exeter, England > Lawyer Profile

Ashfords LLP
ASHFORD HOUSE
GRENADIER ROAD
EXETER
EX1 3LH
England

Work Department

 Employment

Position

Associate

Career

Laura is an Associate in the Employment Team with experience of advising clients on a wide range of employment law and UK immigration matters. Laura has been qualified for 3 years. 

She provides advice and HR support to clients, in both the public and private sector, on all areas of employment law. Laura has experience of defending employment law claims including claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing.

Laura also advises on UK immigration matters, including migrant workers’ right to work in the UK, EEA Nationals’ status in the UK, sponsor obligations, sponsor licence applications and visa applications.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • London Borough Council: Advising the council on all employment law issues including complex disciplinary and grievance procedures involving allegations of discrimination, suspension pending the outcome of a police investigation, National Minimum Wage and holiday pay issues and defending claims for unfair dismissal and discrimination.
  • National care provider: Putting both employment and immigration expertise to use in defending a claim for unlawful discrimination in the context of immigration status.
  • Property agents: Advising on all employment law issues including a redundancy process, dismissals for poor performance and long-term sickness absences.
  • Large restaurant chain: Successfully appealing civil penalties issued for the employment of illegal workers and carrying out an immigration audit and reporting on compliance with Home Office regulations on right to work checks.
  • Start-up accelerator: Making an urgent application to transfer an existing employee and his family to the UK under the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer route.

Lawyer Rankings

South West > Employment > Immigration

Ashfords LLP advises employers and individuals on right to work issues, including EU nationals’ right to reside and the points-based system, and also handles the immigration aspects of corporate transactions. The practice also stands out for its expertise in the tech, healthcare, and hospitality sectors alongside niche experience in marine and seafarer cases. Praised for her ‘exceptional blend of expertise, dedication, and client-focused approach’, team leader Kirsty Cooke assists on a wide array of recruitment, employment, and HR matters for regional and national clients. At the associate level, Laura Wonnacott is a key name with specialisms covering the marine sector as well as family visa applications.