"Involving HR directors is key to ensuring workable, fit-for-purpose solutions can be implemented. Many HR professionals such as myself have employment law qualifications. I would relish the opportunity to join the table." David Smith, group HR director, LV=
"There is need for some de-cluttering of employment law, a sense that it equally plays fair between employer and employee and encourages business, rather than works against it. I would be very up for taking part in a taskforce." Martin Tiplady, ex-HRD at the Metropolitan Police Service
"Brilliant that you are taking a stand on this - couldn't agree more with your observations. I will join any taskforce, as I have a wealth of first-hand stories about the impact on charities." Helen Giles, HR director of Broadway Housing
"I agree it would be good to have a more inclusive employment law taskforce and for HR to be directly involved in it. But, the greatest demand for simplification is coming from SMEs, many of whom may not have an HR professional working for them." Linda Holbech, director at the Holbech Partnership
"It is critical to have a taskforce on employment law and the sooner the better, before it gets too political. It needs people who have employment law expertise as well as organisational change types." Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health, Lancaster University Management School
"This is one topic, among many, that could benefit from commercial insight and direction, if we are to do our part as businesses to pull this country out of recession… I believe that, given the right group of people, the prospect for the future could stand a chance of being more intuitive and simple." Misty Reich, HR director at KFC
So what is HR magazine proposing?
- We will launch a call for evidence from you, for examples of the complexity and confusion around employment law you deal with in your everyday jobs. HR magazine will report on these regularly as the campaign progresses.
- We will be hosting a roundtable early in 2012, inviting HR directors, business leaders, employment lawyers and unions to devise a detailed action plan, considering the evidence.
- We will produce a 'manifesto' for Government, with suggestions for employment law simplification and an official call for a taskforce on the topic, calling for HR to be fundamentally involved in the decision-making discussions on a simplified approach to law.
- We will send a letter directly to employment minister Edward Davey and business minister Vince Cable, calling for the commencement of official, open and honest talks with the HR community, to address the issues we outline in the manifesto, report on their response and facilitate any further meetings and engagements.
This is your time to make a difference and speak out. This is the time HR can prove its strategic capability at the highest levels of government, to effect change both in businesses and in the law. Don't miss out on the opportunity.
What you can do
Contact david.woods@markallengroup.com with your evidence, comments, suggestions and questions. Watch this space as we develop our initiatives.
