Stephen Wyeth > Chambers of David Berkley KC > Winchester, England > Barrister Profile

Stephen Wyeth is a leading junior with a specialist employment law practice.

Prior to transferring to the Bar in June 2010, Stephen practised as a solicitor for ten years following his qualification in 1999. He was appointed a fee paid Employment Judge in 2009 and sits in the Watford Employment Tribunal. He has lectured part time in Employment Law at the University of Southampton (as well as tutoring public and constitutional law for five years).

Stephen has particular experience of high-value claims involving discrimination (with emphasis on disability and maternity issues) and is highly knowledgeable in all forms of unfair dismissal including public interest disclosure claims. He frequently appears in lengthy multi-day trials. He has notable experience of TUPE claims including the ability to offer practical advice to both transferors and transferees in the lead up to business acquisitions and service provision changes, as well as being regularly involved in TUPE cases at tribunals, usually involving multiple respondents.  Stephen is described as having an approachable manner and his professional clients value his strategic handling of cases.

Stephen has regularly advised both senior employees and businesses with regard to the enforceability of restrictive covenants and confidentiality clauses in the context of employment contracts. He has developed a reputation for being a fearless litigator, delivering practical solutions and first class results for both employer and employee clients.

Stephen has acted on behalf of a number of large organisations such as the British Dental Association and Thames Water. His recent successes in the Employment Appeal Tribunal include the reported cases of Esparon t/a Middle West Care Homes v Slavikovska, in which he successfully acted for Ms Slavikovska both at first instance and on appeal and Schwarzenbach t/a Thames-side Court Estate v Jones in which he successfully acted for Mr Jones both at first instance and on appeal. As a result of the Slavikovska decision most care workers must now be paid the national minimum wage for “sleep-in” shifts undertaken in care homes.

He is well known locally for leading informative workshops and seminars for solicitors and businesses and has appeared as an expert on regional BBC television and Radio. He has lectured for the Solent Region of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Stephen has also been a senior adviser to a New Zealand Government Minister during an overseas sabbatical. Within the community Stephen is a Community Governor of his local primary school.