GDPR adding to legal worries for Suffolk employers, says Gotelee Solicitors

Andrew West, an employment law specialist at Gotelee Solicitors in Ipswich. Picture: Gotelee Solicitors (Image: Archant)

More than 100 HR managers, HR consultants and company owners attended the firm’s annual employment seminar, held at Trinity Park, Ipswich, which focused on areas of concern raised with its lawyers over the past year as well as recent and forthcoming developments.

The Gotelee team presenting included Brian Morron, Marie Allen and Andrew West on employment issues and Victoria Spellman on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Mr West said: “What we’ve seen over the last 12 months is that HR leaders within businesses, or company owners themselves, are increasingly feeling vulnerable about employee matters.

“There are a number of employment issues which are gaining significant media coverage at the moment – including sexual harassment in the workplace, the gender pay gap, equal pay and that combined with the recent reports of a 100% increase in the number of claims has made employers nervous.”

However, he added: “What is really reassuring from what we’re seeing with Suffolk businesses, is that company owners are generally aware of their obligations and they are keen to come forward and seek advice, rather than to bury their head in the sand.

“We’re working with businesses, charities and social enterprises – of varying sizes and in a range of sectors, and the common thread is that they want to avoid tripping themselves up, by making sure they follow best practice – and all of that helps to position themselves as a decent employer where staff welfare is a top priority; that in turn has a positive impact when it comes to recruiting and retaining the best calibre staff.”