With the opinion polls showing that the outcome is too close to call, what impact could a vote for a British exit from the EU have on employment law in the UK? What would a Brexit – our exit from the European Union – look like? How would such a move affect workers and the organisations that employ them?
The possible impact of the 23 June in-out referendum on UK employment law will be one of the many important topics placed under the microscope during workshops held by leading south east law firm Furley Page. If we vote to leave the EU will there be a rush to amend or scrap EU employment laws viewed by some as hampering UK businesses? Many employers would like the UK to have greater control over employment laws thus reducing the impact of EU Directives and European case law on the workplace. The Furley Page interactive workshops, run in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, will be held in April and May against the backdrop of what promises to be a fierce debate over whether Britain should remain a member of the EU club.
They are open to Chamber members and non-members whatever the size of their workforce. Last year’s workshops were oversubscribed and people have been urged to book early to secure a place. Leading the workshops is Andrew Masters, Partner and Head of Employment at Furley Page. Andrew says: “Our workshops have become ‘must-attend’ events in the county’s annual business calendar and are vital to help employers and HR professionals keep up to date with the changing complexities of employment law.
“A Brexit could have major implications for employers in Kent and beyond and we will consider these as part of a comprehensive review of recent developments so employers are forewarned as to future developments. As well as practical guidance, there will be question and answer sessions so there’s plenty of opportunity for delegates to raise issues of concern.” Andrew will be joined by Amanda Okill, an Associate who specialises in employment law. Both are part of Furley Page’s highly-regarded Employment Team, which is recommended by the independent legal guides Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Andrew is personally top ranked in the South East by Chambers UK, while Amanda is named as an Associate to watch. The workshops will be held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. Registration is from 8am, starting at 8.30am and finishing at noon. They are:
Employment Law Update for 2016 (Thursday 21 April) – covering proposed and recent changes to employment law, the Conservative Government’s legislative programme for employment law, practical guidance on how to prepare for change, effects on HR policies and procedures and people management as well as new cases, employment reforms and the increasing impact of European laws.
Investigating Discipline and Grievances in the Workplace (Thursday 5 May) – including wrongful, unfair and constructive dismissal examples, practical guidance on how to prevent unnecessary and costly disputes, how to ensure that discipline is used early and positively, changes to unfair dismissal law and the importance of social media issues.
Managing Sickness Absence (Thursday 19 May) – including managing short – and long-term absence, how best to avoid potential claims, the importance of disability discrimination law and recent cases, and holiday pay and sickness.
