Law firm Prettys has hosted the first in a series of seminars addressing key issues facing human resource practitioners in the post-recession economy.

The first event in the “Reshaping the Workforce” series, held at Colchester United Football Club, attracted more than 30 senior HR professionals from across Suffolk, Essex and London. and focused on recruitment and retention issues.

Speakers included Prettys employment partners Kelly Sayers and Matthew Cole and HR directors Lindsey Stafford-Scott of Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Patrice Love of Stowmarket-based Timberwolf.

Kelly Sayers, head of the employment team at Prettys, said: “There has never been a better time to restructure the workforce.

“In most sectors, managers are reporting an end to the recession and a return to growth. As such, we are seeing a significant increase in demand, particularly for skilled employees. There has been a definite switch from downsizing to recruitment. This is a real opportunity for organisations to optimise the workforce overall.”

Matthew Cole added: “This series of events is aimed at bringing together senior HR professionals to discuss these issues, and to offer them the opportunity to hear the latest legal updates that may impact the changes they are trying to effect.”