Small businesses struggling with the burden of employment law can get free help from two sources.

First up is the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), with its online learning package designed to help small firms understand and produce contracts of employment.

The course covers written statements, how to vary contracts, understanding the issues involved and an employee’s right to pay, amongst other aspects of contracts. Users can revisit the site at any time for more practical advice and useful information.

Meanwhile, also coming to the rescue on employment issues, the Forum of Private Business has produced an Employment Guide for 2005, to help companies deal with “the raft of bewildering new regulations” introduced this year.

The group claims the Guide is one of the most comprehensive, affordable and user-friendly publications of its kind, detailing key changes to the law such as the Disability Discrimination Act, workplace dispute resolution, employment tribunals and the minimum wage.

“There has been a minefield of complex and fundamental changes to the law that businesses have to be aware of,” commented FPB chief executive Nick Goulding. “[Small businesses] are being held back by a lack of understanding of employment regulations.”

To access the ACAS course, go to www.acas.org.uk. To find out more about the FPB’s offering, call 01565-626001 or go to www.fpb.co.uk.

(10/12/04)