Wednesday 31 October 2012

A one-day conference
Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
9.30am - 3.45pm

in association with the TUC, Old Square Chambers and Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors.

About the Conference

The second of our Employment Law Updates in 2012 brought drew a large crowd to Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. Many of the speakers and presentations were identical to those at the London conference earlier in the month, and Roger Jeary's blog on that event applies very much to the proceedings in Liverpool as well.

However, Liverpool delegates were also treated to presentations that were not shown in London, including one by Bernie Wentworth, who informed attendees with a broad overview of the law on contractual changes.

Camilla Belich of UNISON was another of our Liverpool-only speakers and she provided delegates with detailed information on the scope of the Public Sector Equality Duty and the implications of its potential removal. She reminded attendees that Theresa May launched a review into the legislation earlier this year, which is likely to be completed by April 2013, and encouraged delegates to ensure May hears the voice of the opposition.

Hannah Reed of the TUC also gave an inspiring speech covering a broad base of recent attacks on employment law by the Coalition, including the highly controversial shares-for-rights proposals that are currently under consultation. She pointed out that many of the ideas the government relies on - particularly their view that employment rights burden businesses - are myths and even the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has evidence to the contrary.

Unfortunately, Ijeoma Omambala of Old Square Chambers was unable to attend the conference to give her presentation Whistleblowing: a review of recent developments, but Stuart Brittenden kindly stepped in to present an update on Age Discrimination instead. While the feedback for Brittenden's presentation has been excellent, we are aware many were disappointed not to hear Omambala talk, but her detailed paper and presentation slides are available for download below.

Big Society the Musical

Additionally, film company First Take presented the trailer for their new film Big Society the Musical, for which they are seeking donations from those who support the fight against the cuts. Click here to visit their website and watch the trailer. Or find out how you can sponsor their efforts.

Seminar papers

You can read and download all of the papers and Powerpoint slides presented at the event below.

Speakers

Jo Seery, Thompsons Solicitors
TUPE: Goldplating or goldstripping?

Bernie Wentworth, Thompsons Solicitors
The law on contractual changes

Paul Statham, Pattinson and Brewer
Employment Tribunals: charges and changes

Stuart Brittenden, Old Square Chambers
Update on Discrimination Law

Hannah Reed, TUC
Campaigning for Employment Rights

Steve Cottingham, O H Parsons
Lofstedt Updated

Camilla Belich, UNISON
The Equality Duty: where do we go from here?

Stuart Brittenden, Old Square Chambers
Age Discrimination Update

Click here to download the full programme