Training

A business’ most important resource is its employees. Giving employees the tools to enable them to excel is one way of making sure that they remain highly motivated and committed. Well-trained staff can be key to businesses achieving improved quality and increased productivity.

Health and safety
Every employer has a legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees. A breach of health and safety regulations can result in an employee being injured, and may also expose the business to the risk of criminal prosecution. This duty towards an employee specifically extends to the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the employee’s health and safety at work. A failure to provide such training is an offence in its own right, and can of itself result in a criminal charge.

It is therefore essential that an employer trains its employees, where appropriate, in relation to matters such as lifting and manual handling and the proper operation of plant and machinery. It follows that the provision of such training reduces risk for both employee and employer.

Basic employment law for managers
The increasing complexity of employment law can leave employers exposed if managers do not have a basic understanding of the main requirements of current employment legislation. The absence of such knowledge can lead to a decision to discipline or dismiss being made, which may not stand up to scrutiny in an Employment Tribunal. There are therefore certain key areas where training for managers is required if a business is going to avoid exposure to possible claims.