Solicitors welcome employment clients to annual HR briefing

Keelys Solicitors, a Lichfield-based firm operating from offices on Dam Street, brought together a range of local HR managers and business owners for their annual employment briefing. 

Head of employment Paul Roberts and newly-appointed solicitor Jas Dubb gave their views on changes in employment case law and areas for managers to consider during 2024.

Headline observations included the potential for sexual harassment compensation to be increased by 25 per cent by a tribunal if the employer has failed to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, changes to the Working Time Regulations on holiday pay, penalties tripled for companies employing people illegally and a national living wage increase coming into force in April 2024 which will take the figure to £11.44 per hour.

Paul Roberts said: “In a wide-ranging discussion following our presentation local HR contacts brought to light the struggles faced by businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, linked to the increase in the living wage and an ongoing challenge in managing the transition since covid to a flexible working patterns.

“Recruitment difficulties, especially in finding quality employees for the right salary was another point widely noted by those present.

“Keelys are working with all of our clients and supporting the wider business community and to bring together over 20 of our clients to gives us further feedback on what HR challenges their businesses face was a pleasure.”

For more information on how Keelys can support your business on a monthly retainer service please contact the employment team by visiting the website or contacting Paul Roberts on [email protected].

Pictured: Members of the Keelys team