By 2018 companies in Wales with over 250 employees will be obliged to publish their rates of pay for male and female employees – potentially leaving themselves exposed to claims of gender discrimination
The South Wales HR Network returns this month to discuss how new legislation is likely to affect Welsh businesses.
The South Wales HR Network, a joint venture between multi-specialist recruitment and training agency, Acorn, and the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, addressees topics that directly affect HR professionals.
For this month’s event the HR Network welcomes Daniel Wilde, Partner and Head of Employment Law at one of Wales’ largest law firms, HardingEvans. Daniel is an expert in contentious legal and HR issues and is perfectly placed to address the gender pay gap.
Taking place on Tuesday 22nd March from 7.45-9.30am, in Jury’s Inn, Cardiff, Daniel will take attendees through the new proposals for gender pay reporting, how an equal pay claim might develop within a business and advise on any essential action that companies should take to ensure that their business abides by equal pay legislation.
Daniel said: “On average, women still earn 20% less than men*, which is a striking statistic and one which has prompted the Government to bring new legislation forward. This is a hot topic in both the HR and legal sector at the moment. With changes to gender pay inevitable, this interactive seminar will address what the changes mean for both employers and employees, with a view to ensuring HR professionals leave with a clear understanding and action points to take back to their place of employment.”
Sarah Jones, Head of Marketing for Acorn, said: “We established the South Wales HR Network for exactly this sort of issue; to explore the latest laws and regulations, and topical HR issues that will help HR professionals in their own development and to avoid the pitfalls that a lack of understanding could otherwise bring.
“Our interactive seminars create a friendly and open forum where participants have an opportunity to discuss and examine current developments or ideas for their own workplace as well as getting up-to-date with the latest changes in employment law. Getting HR right is not always easy, but the South Wales HR Network endeavours to always help shape best practice.
“Daniel is one of the foremost employment law practitioners in Wales so it will be particularly interesting to hear his take on the gender pay gap.”
Previous seminars, which have attracted up to 85 attendees each time, have in the past included a focus on Auto-enrolment, led by Seer Green, Newport-based financial advisers and the importance of leadership and motivation, led by former Wales Coach Mike Ruddock.
Keith Palmer, Chief Executive at the South Wales Chamber of Commerce said “We are delighted to partner Acorn to deliver the South Wales HR Network. This adds another angle of support we can deliver to our members, whether HR professionals or business owners, that will encourage continuous development and growth of businesses in Wales.
Tickets to the seminar will cost £16.00 +VAT for Chamber members and £24 +VAT for non-members.