A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.

The Invest NI-sponsored Employment Law Update 2003 Conference, organised by the Labour Relations Agency and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, was arranged to help SMEs keep up with recent employment law developments including new law, statutory amendments, the latest case law and proposals in the pipeline.

As well as highlighting new issues in the field of employment law the conference aims to help companies gain the knowledge and information that will allow them to avoid the legal pitfalls affecting them as employers, which in some cases can lead to tribunal hearings.

Speaking at the conference Invest NI Business Improvement Executive Peter McCarron said: “Rather than acting as conciliators after problems occur or escalate, the Labour Relations Agency and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland want to work with companies to prevent legal problems in the first

place.

"This is a win-win situation in terms of reducing costs and time lost through disputes – and this means that ultimately companies can stay more competitive.”

Employment rights have come to the fore over the last two decades. Many new laws and individual employment rights have been introduced and employers, already operating in a complex business environment, continue to be affected by the trend.

Karen Tarr, Senior Employment Relations Officer with the Labour Relations Agency added: “Small and medium enterprises comprise over 90% of businesses in Northern Ireland, and many experience difficulty in keeping up-to-date with employment legislation.

"This conference will provide an overview of the latest developments in the employment rights arena. It is our aim to help these companies develop and maintain good employment relations which are vital for business development and growth.”

(MB)