One of Swindon’s leading employment lawyers will be on hand to answer questions about recent and imminent changes in legislation at a business networking event in the town next week.
Kerrie Hunt, pictured, partner and head of employment at Thrings, will update attendees on a range of key employment law issues including flexible working and the new shared parental leave. 
Delegates at the event, hosted by Old Town-based business learning consultancy Bespoke Training Services, will also learn more about the impact of the recent changes to the unfair dismissal regime and the introduction of settlement agreements and pre-termination negotiations.
Another subject likely to be debated is fees for employment tribunal for employees which, following pressure from businesses, were introduced by the Government last July. According to the Ministry of Justice, the number of employees bringing cases has fallen by 70% compared to the same period last year. The networking event takes place between 5.30pm and 7pm at the De Vere Hotel next Thursday.
Anne Messer, managing director of Bespoke Training Services, which creates and provides businesses with management development, executive coaching and training, aims to bring together the local business community in a social setting where they can network, debate the issues affecting them and simply by buying a ticket to attend the event, raise money for a local charity.
Kerrie Hunt said: “In recent years, the Government has introduced a range of employment law-related measures designed to reduce the burden on businesses.
“What has been interesting has been the scale of the changes, from the extension of the right to request flexible working and the introduction of shared parental leave next April to early conciliation on the one hand and penalties for employers who lose tribunal claims on the other.
“While employment law moves at a rapid pace, businesses have a duty to ensure they keep up to date with the changes so that they meet their legal responsibilities. Reviewing the recent reforms and assessing their impact will also enable them to decide whether they are changing the legal landscape for the better.”
Anne Messer added: “Bespoke Training Services is delighted to be hosting this event, and my team and I are very excited to hear Kerrie speak and to have this opportunity to meet our local business community.”
