HR Forum at the FPC

July's HR Forum provided another great networking opportunity and a platform to collectively discuss key topics and challenges facing the human resources sector of our industry. Organised in conjunction with Tricia McCarron of Worldwide Fruit, the group is growing as this forum gains popularity.

Peter Bennett of Roythornes Solicitors guided us through the Agency Workers Directive which is, in his view, the most draconian piece of legislation published in the last 30 years with a clear intention to increase wages, stop false benefit claims and boost the Inland Revenue. He identified a number of specific areas of concern and warned of the substantial administrative burden to businesses. Peter provided an expert opinion of the detail and identified many controversial areas left open to interpretation which made for good discussion.

Rebecca Gonzaga of Sterling Relocation Services provided an introduction to UK domestic relocation with an overview of procedures, tax implications and legislation. She talked us through HMRC guidelines, UK policies, challenges and benefits. Relocating staff brings enormous pressure on HR in any company and outsourcing group move and specialist relocation support has become increasingly popular whether moving individuals or whole companies. During discussion, Rebecca offered advice on cost projections, UK marketing assistance, home sale guarantee options, supply chain management and other key related areas. She specialises in global mobility which is relevant to many FPC members.

Sharon Green of Lincoln University updated the forum on the latest industry training opportunities including a fresh produce qualification package at level 2/3 is expected to be available from September 2011 either as a stand alone qualification or as part of a qualification structure. Food Manufacturing Excellence, Food Industry Skills and pure Fresh Produce are 3 main subject areas and there is increased flexibility with the units to benefit company requirements. Lincoln University maintains a close working relationship with the industry and has excellent resources - Sharon is herself a former food technologist. The university has recently taken governance for George Farmer College - the first university in the country to secure this position.

The next HR Forum is scheduled for October and will be held at our newly refurbished office in Peterborough - look out for the date for your diary.