09:30 - 16:30

09:30 - 10:00 Registration, breakfast and networking

10:00 - 10:10 Welcome and introduction to the day

10:10 - 11:10 Key themes and trends in employment law

This session will provide insight and analysis of key themes and trends emerging in employment law from the last 6 months and a review of what is on the horizon in the next 12 months.

11.15 - 12.00  You have the choice of attending break-out sessions A or B:

Session A: Global mobility: opening up of borders

With changes in immigration rules opening up more opportunities for global mobility and the technical ability to work anywhere, this session will take a look at the latest developments in this field as well as the practical implications for businesses on issues around working abroad.  We'll hear from our teams in the UK, Ireland and the UAE on what this means in their jurisdictions.

Session B: Data protection and employees - the changing landscape in 2022: DSARs, data reform, and international transfers

Four years post-GDPR and with the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill on the horizon, this session will review and share tips for overcoming the core data protection challenges for employers, including handling DSARs and changes to international transfer rules, as well as highlighting the proposals for reform.

12.15 – 13.15 A Systems Approach to Beating Racism: Lessons from an Activist in the Boardroom (Chris Grant, OBE, Former CEO of Sported (the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy charity) and Board Member for Sport England)

The slogans, black squares and commissioning of “unconscious bias” training are the easy part. But what happens next, and how can individuals, teams and organisations ensure that, when it comes to racism, they’re part of the solution? In his highly engaging style, Chris sets out a roadmap for change, tapping into his broad and deep knowledge of building effective teams and organisations across many sectors, as well as a lifetime spent navigating the pitfalls and glass ceilings of racial politics in the UK.

13:15 - 14:15 Lunch and networking

14.15 – 15.15 You have the choice of attending break-out sessions A or B:

Session A: Implementing workforce change and collective action in the modern workplace

Collective action has hit the headlines in 2022, with unions applying political and public pressure to challenge P&O Ferries lack of redundancy consultation, USDAW seeking an injunction against Tesco to prevent fire & re-hire and a wave of recent strikes, including wildcat strikes and unofficial walkouts, such as those recently staged by non-unionised Amazon warehouse workers.

In this session, our experienced team share key learning points about implementing workforce change and handling collective disputes in the modern workplace in both unionised and non-unionised environments.

Session B: Attracting and retaining talent – legal framework across Europe

A key challenge for many organisations in the post pandemic workplace is the attraction and retention of talent across the business.  Our teams in Germany, France and Ireland discuss the different approaches to the key issues which businesses face and consider how to manage the workforce in a number of jurisdictions to retain talent.

15.30 – 16.30 Rethinking disciplinary and grievance practices through a D&I lens

With diversity and inclusion being at the forefront of the business agenda, this session will take a look at the competing challenges for driving culture change within an organisation and how businesses can open up pathways to a more inclusive workplace by rethinking their approach to traditional employment practices.

16.30 Closing words followed by afternoon tea