100+ attend North Wales law events ahead of landmark employment legislation changes

MORE than 100 people attended law seminars highlighting imminent changes to employment legislation.

The free events were organised by Supertemps and JMW Solicitors and held at M-SParc on Anglesey and the OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph.

The Supertemps group – which includes executive, IT and engineering arm S2 Recruitment – is celebrating 40 years and welcomed around 120 people to the annual sessions, which have become popular with HR managers, candidates and company owners.

Paul Chamberlain, a partner at Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, discussed a range of topics from the incoming IR35 (off-payroll working) changes to new rules around holiday pay, parental bereavement leave, and sickness pay entitlement should employees be absent from work due to the Coronavirus.

“We have worked in partnership with Supertemps for many years and these employment law seminars have grown in popularity,” said Paul.

“With so many changes on the horizon – including an increase in the National Minimum Wage and IR35 – the events were more topical than ever.

“Thanks to the many people who attended, we hope the issues covered were of value and look forward to returning to North Wales next year for further events.”

Paul also highlighted new laws around family rights, including leave for unpaid carers, extended leave for neonatal care and extended redundancy protection to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

The biggest shake-up in legislation will be IR35, a revamped anti-avoidance tax rule to be rolled out on April 6 by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), which aims to ensure any payments made to contractors are taxed as income where they are working through an intermediary but are effectively ‘employees’ of the client.

Sarah Ellwood, Managing Director of Supertemps and S2 Recruitment – based in Bangor and Colwyn Bay – thanked JMW Solicitors for supporting the series, including Simon Bloch, who presented at the M-SParc seminar.

“Both sessions were well-attended and really informative; the feedback we’ve received has been so positive,” said Sarah.

“The recruitment and HR landscape will change significantly in the coming months, so it was important to cover these subjects and make sure companies are prepared, especially with regards the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

“Thanks again to everyone who attended, and to the OpTIC Technology Centre and M-SParc for your support.”