The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and JSB Training and Consulting have organised two workshops to help employers and employees cope with the rising tide of employment tribunals.
Professor Upex, Head of the CIPD/JSB Employment Law Faculty and Professor of Law at the University of Surrey comments, "The workshops could not come at a better time given the 32% increase in the number of legal actions being brought against employers. This is due in part to recent changes to the law which include a reduction in the unfair dismissal protection from 2 years to 1".
Professor Upex adds, "The workshop on Employment Tribunals will ensure that HR professionals and line managers follow the procedures to the letter of the law leading up to and during the tribunal. The workshop will also look at ways of resolving disputes before the tribunal stage to avoid adverse publicity.
Professor Upex continues, "Set against the background of the quadrupling of the maximum compensation award to £50,000, the Advocacy in Tribunals workshop course is more significant than ever given the increasing awards to plaintiffs. The course is particularly relevant to those who may represent their organisations and make decisions as to whether cases should proceed to a hearing or should be settled - a good knowledge of employment law is therefore essential".
Professor Upex concludes, "Professional guidance on employment tribunals should lie at the heart of any organisation's training agenda given their increased occurrence. The CIPD and JSB will offer the expert advice and tuition required to prepare and present cases at tribunals".
