CIPD aims to sidestep legal minefields at work

CIPD Law at Workô Annual Employment Law Conference
2 July 2003, Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
New employment law is so complex that a firm of solicitors found itself sued for constructive dismissal and sex discrimination by one of its own lawyers, who wanted to work part-time after having a baby.

The lawyer, who was working in the commercial conveyancing department, eventually lost her case on appeal. But if lawyers have difficulty with the ever-increasing legal demands on employers, what chance have other people?
The Chartered Institute of Personnel (CIPD) is aiming to help those who need to have a grasp of employment law at work with its Annual Employment Law Conference, bringing together some of the leading employment law experts in the country.

They will provide highly informed and experienced interpretation, practical advice and guidance across the wide spectrum of current legislation and the implications for employers, including maternity and paternity regulations, flexible working, adoption leave, data protection, pensions, the minimum wage, consultation with employees, the many grounds for discrimination, dealing with agency staff and grievance procedures.

They will also dissect new laws and forthcoming legislation as well as giving advice on the crucial matter of how to avoid litigation and costly appearances before tribunals.

Keynote addresses will be given by Alan Johnson, Minister for Employment Relations, Industry and the Regions, on the Governmentís plans and the implications for employers; and John Monks, General Secretary of the European Trades Union Congress, who will talk on why British bosses ìshould learn to love social Europeî

Other speakers include Ian Smith, professor of employment law at Norwich Law School, Olga Aikin, senior partner of consultancy Aikin Driver Partnership, Rita Donaghy, chair of ACAS, and Janet Gaymer, senior partner of law firm Simmons & Simmons.

The conference is designed for personnel and HR professionals, employment law specialists and senior line managers and all those who act as advisers or consultants on developments in employment law. There will be seminars concentrating on flexible working, data protection and TUPE (the regulations designed to protect employeesí rights if their jobs are transferred).

The CIPD has responded to the increasing importance of mastering legal issues in the workplace with its CIPD Law at Workô portfolio, including publications and employment law online, which will be demonstrated at the conference.