Legal


Lawyers issue a warning over recruitment blunders


HR experts at law firm Clarke Willmott LLP are advising businesses to consider the benefits of investing in recruitment training for staff after an environmental services company suffered a PR nightmare. Tecomak Environmental Services in Tonbridge hit the headlines when an internal email chain was accidentally forwarded to graduate Anna Jacobs who was applying for a job at the firm. In an email inviting her to an


interview she scrolled down to see the rest of the chain, from a person who was part of the selection process, labelling Ms Jacobs a “home educated oddball” and “a biscuit short of a packet”. Bex Sinclair (pictured), head of


the HR Consultancy team at Clarke Willmott, said: “Companies would do well to learn from the service industries; the accepted rule that every unhappy customer will tell at least 10 other people. Candidates who have a bad recruitment experience at your business are no different. “With the growth of websites like Glassdoor, the


TripAdvisor of the business world for both candidates and employees, businesses must think really carefully about what kind of impression they are giving to candidates in the recruitment process. “In this case one unhappy candidate told millions of


people, and this has done untold damage to a company reputation; the costs of which are immeasurable.


“The cost of basic recruitment training for managers suddenly pales into insignificance by comparison.” Bex, who has 18 years’ experience in operational and


strategic HR, has put together her top tips on how to avoid HR disasters like this.


Training Provide training for managers involved in recruitment – including fair selection and discrimination risks.


Don’t assume Avoid making any stereotypical assumptions about candidates at any stage in the selection process.


People spec Base your decision on whom to shortlist on a detailed personal specification for the role.


Treat all paperwork as disclosable Avoid making inappropriate comments about candidates – especially in writing and including emails. Sounds obvious, but remember that all personal data that you hold on candidates is likely to be disclosable in a subject access request if made by the candidate.


Discuss with an expert If you have any concerns about a candidate – talk this through with an HR/recruitment expert.


Recruitment is PR Treat all selection activity as part of your PR function. That is effectively what it is!


Sector Focus In Brief


Shakespeare Martineau has strengthened its Brexit taskforce with the appointment of two business immigration specialists, Tijen Ahmet and Rachel Harvey. Tijen Ahmet makes the move


from London/Hertfordshire- based SA Law LLP following a three-year stint as head of immigration, while Rachel Harvey has ended her 10-year tenure with Cartwright King. Tijen, associate solicitor, will


be supporting the existing Brexit team and clients from the West Midlands to the South and Rachel, also an associate solicitor, will cover the north and East Midlands.


Shoosmiths has advised shareholders of TSC Inspection Systems, which include Octopus Investments, on the company’s acquisition by market-leading Eddyfi Technologies. Headquartered in Milton


Keynes, TSC has significantly contributed to electromagnetic testing technologies over the last 30 years. TSC’s ACFM technology is one


of the most reliable methods of detecting surface-breaking cracks in steel structures and metallic components.


Jacobs Law Solicitors has a dedicated team of lawyers headed by Mr H. Bashir (Partner/Solicitor) who specialise in all aspects of Family Law.


An unfortunate part of family life is on occasions things stop working and separation and breakup is necessary. This is always a tough time for any individual and many people who are going through separation and Divorce need help with divorce applications, child arrangements and clarity on how the finances between the parties will need to be dealt with. Jacobs Law Solicitors has an incredibly experienced team who can help you through managing your divorce, financial assets and child arrangements, however simple or complex they may be. Jacobs Law will endeavour to take as much of the stress out of the process as possible. The fees will be competitive and a solicitor will always be available to talk to you as and when required.


We aim to provide you with professional legal advice accompanied with practical solutions which will suit you best. We offer the first consultation for up to 30 mins for free so that you know who we are before you commit to us.


Our solicitors aim to give you clear and concise advice, so that you are fully informed and you are able to make a decision about how you want your family law case to proceed.


Jacobs House • 180 Soho Hill • Birmingham • B19 1AG T: 0121 551 2189 July/August 2017 CHAMBERLINK 57


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