Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce will host a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar about the potential implications for businesses of new equality legislation. Leading Advocate Caren Pegg, who is a Partner at Appleby specialising in employment, litigation and insolvency, will address members at the seminar which is being held at the Claremont Hotel on July 14 at noon. She will explain what is likely to be in store for Manx businesses when the Equality Act is introduced. An Equality Bill is being drafted to look at introducing legislation to address all issues relating to discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, and gender reassignment. A consultation document on the Bill will be published in due course, but it’s already clear that an Equality Act is likely to have many implications for employers. The seminar will look at how equality legislation is likely to affect employers, and at what they can do to be prepared for all kinds of discrimination issues.

Caren, who is also Chair of Chamber’s Employment and Training Committee, and a member of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Council, commented: “The introduction of an Equality Act will have far-reaching implications for all businesses and employers. Employers need to be prepared in the event that any legislation that is introduced. Employers are advised to positively engage in any consultation exercise to ensure that any concerns are fully raised prior to the Equality Bill’s introduction.”

The Chamber hosts regular CPD seminars and workshops to provide employers with valuable insights from leading experts on matters which affect all business sectors on the Island. The events, which are only open to Chamber members, begin with lunch and usually take around two hours. Jane Dellar, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said: “The feedback we have received from members who have attended our CPD events has been overwhelmingly positive. We focus on topics that affect all employers, and all of our speakers are experts in their chosen field. These seminars and workshops provide practical analysis and advice and are just one example of the many benefits of Chamber membership.”

For more information about the CPD events, or how to become a member of Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, go to www.iomchamber.org.im or call 674941.