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Experts suggest the number of discrimination claims bought by employees last year could double to around half a million this year in light of new legislation.

Keeping up to date with those changes is vital for employers to avoid boosting that statistic further. That was the message at this year’s annual Employment Law Briefing organised by Peterborough based firms Anne Corder Recruitment and Hegarty LLP Solicitors.

Hegarty LLP partner and employment law expert Martin Bloom warned there is likely to be a sharp rise in the amount of claims from 285,000 as a result of the new associative and perceptive discrimination rules.

“These new strands of discrimination leave employers more vulnerable so awareness is vital,” said Martin. “An employer can now claim discrimination not just because of their sex, race or religion, for instance, but because of associated or perceived characteristics. For example a mother who is discriminated against in the work place as a result of her young child’s disability could bring a case. Similarly a Christian man harassed because of his wife’s Muslim faith could bring a case.”

Martin gave many other examples during his presentation to around 200 HR professionals at the East of England Showground in Peterborough. He was joined by colleagues Tim Thompson and Emma Carter who discussed case law and sickness absence.

The seminar is recognised as a key date in the business calendar and an opportunity to hear news and advice on the very latest employment issues.

“These are all important issues which companies need to be up to date with,” said Anne Corder. “As usual Martin and Tim – joined this year by Emma – gave us some valid pointers to take away.

“HR law affects every company and it is vital that those working in the sector are aware of changes, enabling them to implement the necessary steps within their organisation. We’re delighted to be able to help that process.”

To ensure you are informed of future events please sign up to the ACR e-newsletter by visiting the website www.annecorder.co.uk . To receive the Hegarty e-bulletins sign up at www.hegarty.co.uk

Pic cap: Employment law briefing presenters (l-r) Emma Carter, Tim Thompson, Martin Bloom and Anne Corder