Employment Law Update
2009
a conference
Wednesday 21st October 2009
9:30am – 4:15pm
at NUT Hamilton House, Mabledon Place,
London WC1H 9BD map here
(apologies from our printers for the previously published time of 9:30PM- the conference will start at 9:30AM)
Organised by The Institute of Employment Rights in association with the TUC and Old Square Chambers

about the conference

This is the fifth IER annual conference organised in association with the TUC and Old Square Chambers. The conference is timed to coincide with the introduction of new legislation, due to come in to force on 1st October. The aim is to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well informed about developments in employment law. The platform of speakers includes some of the leading UK legal experts in individual employment rights and collective labour law. Before considering the implications of new legislation, speakers will look at developments over the last 12 months.

The emphasis on this year’s Employment Law Update is the 2 aspects of legislation relating to the substantial current and planned legislation: economics and equalities. The programme will begin with an assessment of how in the 60th year of ILO Convention 98, Collective Bargaining is being undermined by the Posted Workers’ Directive. Speakers will also examine how blacklisting in the construction industry and performance pressure in the current economic climate are jeopardising hard-won rights while insecurity stalks dignity at work.

Afternoon contributions will revolve around the new Single Equalities Bill and speakers will highlight what they see as its strengths and weaknesses, through a series of recent case studies and a keynote speech from Sarah Veale, TUC. 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

• 9:30 Registration
  1. 9:50 Introduction from Chair: Carolyn Jones, IER
     The Economics of Employment Law
  2. 10:00 Undercutting Collective Agreements and the Posted Workers Directive

Prof Keith Ewing, President IER

1. 10:30 Blacklisting and the campaign for dignity at work

Steve Cottingham, O H Parsons

1. 11:00 Whistleblowing and the Economic recession: 10 years of the PIDA

Catherine Hobby, University of East London

1. 11:30 Tea and coffee
2. 11:45 Philip Mead, Old Square Chambers
3. 12:15 Discussion
4. 12:30 LUNCH (not provided)
   Equalities and Employment Law
5. 1:30 The Single Equalities Bill: A Critical Overview

Laura Prince, Matrix Chambers

1. 2:00 Equality Update 2009: Part A, Nicola Newbegin, Old Square Chambers
2. 2:30 Equality Update 2009: Part B, Stuart Brittenden, Old Square Chambers
3. 3:00 Tea and coffee
4. 3:15 Fairness at work – the next step?

Sarah Veale, TUC

1. 3.45 Panel discussion and questions
2. 4:15 Close

Who should attend

The conference will be of great interest to trade unionists, employment lawyers, personnel specialists, academics, students, and those concerned with the development of public policy.

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 3 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 and tube: King’s Cross, St Pancras and Euston.

Cost

IER subscribers and members £75.00
Trade unions £90.00
Commercial £220.00

Book your place now!

Booking form

Or please return completed form (attached below) to IER, The People’s Centre, 50-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD. Tel 0151 702 6925 Fax 0151 702 6935.
office@ier.org.uk