Howes Percival will be holding their popular National Employment Conference on Thursday 19 June 2025.
This year, the National Employment Conference will be held at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, starting at 9:00am and ending at 4:30pm.
This annual event is aimed at HR professionals and directors, and gives delegates an opportunity not only to receive an update on recent developments in employment law, but also to attend workshops to explore key employment topics in more detail. In addition, there will also be the opportunity to take a fly on the wall view of a mock employment tribunal led by barristers from Devereux Chambers!
We are delighted to announce that this year's employment law update will be presented by the Howes Percival Employment team. As always, our team of employment specialists will lead a choice of workshops which give delegates the opportunity to share experiences and interact within small groups.
We are really looking forward to meeting everyone again this year. The event will give delegates the opportunity to share experiences, network and get some time away from the office… or home!
Book a place
Please reserve your place by clicking on the registration button below, which will take you to the Eventbrite booking page.
Please can each delegate confirm in their reservation: • a choice of one morning workshop; and • any dietary requirements
Cost: £395 plus VAT per delegate. The price includes breakfast on arrival, lunch, tea/coffee and refreshments.
Offer: Book before Tuesday 22 April and receive one place free for every paid place booked (i.e. book 2 delegates for £395 plus VAT, book 4 delegates for £790 plus VAT).
If you have any problems with the booking process, please email: [javascript protected email address]
The day - Thursday 19 June 2025
9.00am
Registration and Breakfast
9.30am
Welcome Introduction & Employment Law Update presented by the Howes Percival Employment team.
11.15am
Workshops (see full details below)
1. "Changes" - Dealing with Reasonable Adjustments
2. “The Times They are A Changin”- Redundancy
3. "Help!" - Getting to grips with grievances
1.00pm
Lunch
2.00pm
Mock Employment Tribunal
4.30pm
Finish
Workshop information
MORNING SESSIONS (please choose 1)
Session 1: "Changes" - Dealing with Reasonable Adjustments
This training session is aimed at helping delegates to understand the legal framework around reasonable adjustments, as well as offering practical guidance in implementing HR processes. We will answer questions such as:
When does the duty to make reasonable adjustments arise?
How does an employer identify the PCP?
What knowledge of a disability is needed before the duty arises?
Can employers rely on occupational health advice?
What other support is available for reasonable adjustments?
Does a reasonable adjustment have to eliminate the disadvantage?
How far does an employer have to go with adjustments?
This will be an interactive workshop with plenty of opportunity to share experience with other delegates.
Session 2: “The Times They are A Changin”- Redundancy
Redundancy has always been a difficult situation for employers to navigate, both in relation to the legal complexities, and the uncertainty it naturally creates in the workplace. However, with the extended protection for those on maternity leave, and the upcoming proposed changes to the collective consultation regime under the Employment Rights Bill, the tide is very much turning in favour of employees and it is becoming ever more important for employers to ensure they “know their stuff” when it comes to redundancy.
In this session we will tackle the “thorny” issues that often come up in redundancy processes. The session will also bring delegates up to date with the latest changes to the law on redundancy and collective consultation. This will include:
When and how to collectively consult (and the proposed changes to the meaning of “establishment”)
The consequences of getting it wrong (and the changes to the protective award)
Pools for selection;
Determining and applying a fair and non-discriminatory selection criteria;
Employees on maternity leave or long term sick leave; and
Suitable alternative employment and its significance.
Delegates will be encouraged to engage in discussion which will enable them to understand best practice and provide practical tips to ensure a smooth redundancy process.
Session 3: "Help!" - Getting to grips with grievances
Our interactive workshop will explore some of the difficult issues facing employers when dealing with complaints from employees. This fun and informative session will equip you with the skills you need to effectively manage the whole grievance process, including:
Informal v formal – can you nip it in the bud early?
Investigations – ensuring you get the right information and keep control of the issues;
How to deal with reluctant witnesses and confidentiality issues;
What to do if the employee goes off sick or won’t engage;
How to evaluate and collate relevant evidence;
Preparing effective grievance outcomes; and
How to frame subsequent disciplinary action.
Mock Employment Tribunal
AFTERNOON SESSION
After lunch, join us for an interactive Mock Employment Tribunal, led by expert barristers from Devereux Chambers. This session will bring employment law to life, giving you a front row seat to watch the employment tribunal process in action!
The session will simulate how a real employment tribunal would unfold, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the procedures and common pitfalls associated with employment law disputes.
During this session, participants will witness a case study presented and discussed in detail, showcasing the tribunal process from start to finish.
Expect plenty of valuable takeaways, as well as the chance to ask questions and learn from those with first-hand experience in the field.
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