Maine-Tucker reveals allÖ

The subject: - ìLong Term Sickness absence and Disability Discriminationî

Location: - Royal Institute of British Architects

Maine-Tucker Recruitment launched their 2008 Employment Forum series, with a ìMock Tribunalî. The event was yet again oversubscribed, as clients returned to experience a more interactive format.

ìThe strength of our forums, and in particular the Mock Tribunal, is that it works on a participative basis. We also base them on current hot legal topics and try and make it intimate enough so that everyone is able to ask questions, that are answered there and thenî Meeta Sahni, Managing Director of Maine-Tucker Recruitment.

Based on real life facts, Maine-Tucker Consultants and Boyes Turner solicitors acted out an employment tribunal, and delegates were invited to cross examine the actors, and ultimately decide on a verdict.

The case involved an employee aged 63 who developed osteoporosis and was absent from work due to ill health. After consulting HR, the employee seemed happy to retire and to claim all his benefits. What the employer didnít count on was his daughter working in a solicitorís office! Subsequently the employee felt he had been dismissed unfairly, and was discriminated against on the grounds of his disability and age. The employer suddenly found themselves facing a 50,000 claim.

ìAs shown by this real life case this was a claim that was eminently avoidable if the managers had followed better procedure and maintained accurate records. Their failure to do so undermined what would have otherwise been a fair and uneventful dismissal.î
David Blomfield, Partner at Boyes Turner Solicitors.

The session was kept to a fast paced and interactive format. The legal language was simplified, and the attendees were encouraged to relate the issues to current situations in their company. The diverse views and experiences brought depth to the discussion.

The next Employment Law forum will take place on the 11th June 2008.