Give to Gain: Supporting Women to Thrive at Cartmells
March 9th 2026On International Women’s Day, Managing Director Joanne Stronach reflects on the barriers facing women in the legal industry and how Cartmell Shepherd ensures women across the firm feel supported, valued and able to thrive. It’s been fantastic to see so many businesses showing their support for International Women’s Day again this year, with some wonderful events happening locally championing women in business. I had the pleasure of joining a panel…
Cartmell Shepherd Wrapped 2025
December 19th 2025Managing Director Joanne Stronach reflects on a successful 2025 at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors Like many businesses, the run up to Christmas at Cartmell Shepherd is a busy time, as our teams work to meet deadlines and plan for the year ahead. Amidst the Christmas rush, it’s easy to forget to pause and reflect on progress made over the past year, so in this article, I’d like to do just that.…
Joanne Stronach Appointed Managing Director of Cartmell Shepherd
October 13th 2025Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is delighted to announce the appointment of Joanne Stronach as its new Managing Director. Joanne, who has been with the firm since 2018 as Director and Head of Employment and HR, succeeds Peter Stafford following his retirement at the end of September. As Managing Director, Joanne will lead the entire Cartmell Shepherd team, which comprises 130 staff across seven offices situated in Carlisle, Penrith, Cockermouth, Brampton, Haltwhistle…
Lidl worker wins age discrimination case over redundancy scoring
July 18th 2025An employment tribunal has ruled that Lidl unfairly dismissed a senior construction consultant and discriminated against him because of his age after marking him down in a redundancy process for not having a degree. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment reports on this recent case. Mr Wayne Norman, who was over 60 at the time of his dismissal in 2023, was one of three senior construction consultants competing for a…
Celebrating Women in Law: Honouring Our Female Leaders on International Women’s Day
March 4th 2025At Cartmell Shepherd, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising the outstanding achievements of our female leaders. Law has long been a male-dominated profession, but times are changing and more women than ever are entering the legal sector. However, while progress has been made, women remain underrepresented at senior levels across the profession. At our firm, we are committed to breaking down barriers and championing gender equality…
DPD driver awarded £20k after colleagues gossiped about him
February 12th 2025A DPD driver has been awarded £20,000 compensation after his employer breached his confidentiality, leading to colleagues gossiping about his flexible working arrangements. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment reports on this recent case. Mr Courtney Rawlins, who worked as a delivery driver, won his claim for harassment related to sex after the Employment Tribunal ruled that DPD Group UK Limited had violated his dignity and created a hostile environment.…
Businesses need to be alert to new legislation enhancing employees’ rights
July 24th 2024EMPLOYERS are being urged to be aware of the impact the new Government’s employment law changes will have on their businesses. The King’s Speech before Parliament highlighted that Labour means business and will introduce the Employment Rights Bill in the first 100 days of being in power. Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said while Labour’s New Deal is set to improve the rights…
Leading employment lawyer welcomes new law to support unpaid carers
June 29th 2024NEW legislation which entitles carers to one week’s unpaid leave to support their loved ones has been welcomed by a leading employment lawyer. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said the new measures introduced as part of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 were a step in the right direction to support the millions of people who provide unpaid care to dependant family…
Rate for unfair dismissal and redundancy pay awards rise by nearly 9%
April 22nd 2024The maximum limit for unfair dismissal awards and statutory redundancy pay has risen by nearly 9%. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment provides an update. The increase takes into account the high rate of inflation over the last year. The new rate is effective from 6 April. The statutory cap for a week’s pay when assessing compensation for unfair dismissal is now £700, up from £643 during the previous 12 months.…
Flexible working rights for millions of employees come into effect
April 8th 2024Millions of employees now have the right to request flexible working to determine where and when they work. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment provides an update. The new rights are part of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, which came into effect on 6 April. Flexible working is a broad term and can relate to working hours or pattern including part-time, term-time, flexi-time, compressed hours, or adjusting start and finish…
