It Is time for small businesses to get on top of employment law before it is too late, a personnel expert has warned.

John Forgham, partner of Sussex-based business advisers PRB Martin Pollins, said many small and medium-sized enterprises find it is a constant battle to keep up with changes in the law.

He said: "Owners and managers are under pressure to squeeze in personnel matters along with their other work commitments.

"This approach puts many firms at risk of not complying with the latest legislation."

Mr Forgham said the subject needed to be given greater priority and invited employment law expert Harry Sherrard, of Sherrards, to speak to clients at a seminar designed specifically for SMEs.

He said: "The seminar covered recent and forthcoming employment developments such as the increase of compensatory award for unfair dismissal; extended parental leave and maternity rights; the UK implementation of the part-timer regulations as from July 1, 2000; employee references; the new rules on the Data Protection Act; and developing effective policies for e-mail and the internet.

"The seminar proved very successful with our clients and contacts.

"They took away with them invaluable knowledge together with a comprehensive delegate pack and a CD-Rom for further reference."

Businesses wanting a copy of the seminar's delegate pack including CD-Rom should contact John Forgham at PRB Martin Pollins on 01444 458252 or e-mail him at info@prbmp.com.