Justice

A FREE breakfast seminar in Huntingdon later this month will provide topical overview of social networking and employment law for businesses in Cambridgeshire, say the lawyers who are organising it.

Business reputations that have taken decades to build could be wiped out in just 140 characters, warns regional law firm Birketts LLP.

While employees and employers have embraced Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn as promotional tools, they need to be aware of the potential risks of using the popular social networks, the firm explained.

Over the last few years Birketts has seen a rise in employment disputes and litigation associated with misuse of social media. This has included potential for liability in defamation as well as employment tribunals and High Court litigation which is often avoided by getting practical advice on the law that governs the use of social media in relation to the workplace.

Jolyon Berry, partner at Birketts, said: “We’re inviting employers who value their reputation, who understand that online presence and social media are both here to stay as key elements in marketing strategy, and anyone who wishes to ensure that their staff don’t jeopardise the good will towards their company, to attend.”

Hays Recruitment will also be on hand to give a short presentation and Q&A session on the successes and failures of social media in recruitment.

INFORMATION: The free breakfast seminar, ‘Social Networking and Employment Law’, will take place at Huntingdon Racecourse in Brampton, on February 28. For more information or to register for the event visit www.birketts.co.uk or contact Neil Kitson at neil-kitson@birketts.co.uk or on 01473 406250 before Tuesday February 21.