(NW) Employment Law Update: Fairness at Work

Part of the North West Events programme

Wednesday 12th November 2008, at the Adephi Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool

Sponsored by UNITE North West Region, Thompsons Solicitors, Fire Brigades Union, National Union of Teachers

With the local elections over and a general election looming within two years, trade unions and their members are looking to the future. What do we want and expect from a Labour government looking for a fourth term in office? What is required to make UK laws compliant with our international obligations?

Legislation dealing with trade union and employment issues is now introduced twice a year – in April and October, offering ideal opportunities to monitor and comment on the UK’s framework of law. In November 2008 the Institute of Employment Rights in association with Thompsons Solicitors, the Fire Brigades Union and UNITE North West Region, will hold the first of what is planned to be an annual event to reflect on laws introduced in 2008 and provide information on laws expected in 2009.

And there is much to discuss. In 2007 an Employment Bill was introduced, which is expected to become law in 2009. The Bill covers dispute resolution procedures, the National Minimum Wage, Agency Workers and trade union membership. Unfortunately the draft Bill does not include those issues raised by the Trade Union Freedom Bill including the collective rights of trade unions.

Speakers will critically examine the Employment Bill’s proposals and highlight what they see as its strengths and weaknesses. Sessions will focus on the future of employment law, issues relating to resolving disputes at work, and the proposed new ACAS grievance and disciplinary Code of Practice.

Knowledge and understanding of the law and how best to use it are essential if we are to secure fairness at work. But raising expectations about where the law ought to be is just as important. The aim is to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well informed about developments in employment law.

Programme

• 10.30 Registration
• 10.40 Welcome from Chair
• 10.45 Which way next under Labour?
  Professor Gregor Gall, University of Hertfordshire
• 11.15 The ACAS Code of Practice: Principles of Fairness
  Rob Vondy, Area Director, ACAS North West
• 11.45 Fairness at work – the next step?
  Hannah Reed, Senior Policy Officer, TUC Equalities and Employment Rights Department
• 12.15 Discussion

• 12.30 LUNCH

• 1.30 Warwick 2: What’s on the agenda?
  Billy Hayes, General Secretary, Communication Workers Union
• 2.00 Agency Workers and Working Time: Moving Forward?
  Professor Jeffrey Kenner, Chair in European Law, University of Nottingham
• 2.30 Disability Discrimination at Work
  Nick O’Brien, Visiting Fellow, Liverpool Law School (formerly of the Disability Rights Commission)
• 3.00 Tea and Coffee
• 3.15 Grievance and Disciplinary Case Law
  Jo Seery, Thompsons Solicitors
• 3.45 Questions
• 4:15 Close

Who should attend

The conference will be of great interest to trade unionists, employment
lawyers, academics and students. It will be of particular interest to Equality
Officers needing up to the minute information on developments in case law.

How to book

To reserve your place, complete the form below and send your cheque,
made payable to IER, to Institute of Employment Rights, The People’s
Centre, 50-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD. Fax 0151 702 6935.

CPD, NPP and EPP accreditation

This conference counts for 5 credit hours under the Law Society’s
Continuing Development Scheme and the General Council of the Bar’s New
Practitioners’ Programme and Established Practitioners’ Programme.

Additional Information

Details of nearby hotels are available from the office. Name changes are
accepted up until the time of the event. Delegates who advise IER of their
cancellation more than 15 working days in advance will receive a credit
note with 10% deduction for administration.

How to get there

Train: Lime St Station (British Rail) and Central Station (Merseyrail) are a five minute walk away.
Bus: 500 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to City Centre

Cost

IER subscribers and members £75.00
Trade unions £90.00
Commercial £220.00
The cost of the conference does not include lunch.