Recent figures from FirstAssist's 24 hour legal advice line reveal that the most common calls are regarding employment law, reflecting the difficulties businesses are having in negotiating ‘red tape'.

FirstAssist said over 30% of all calls received this year have been regarding employment law, with ‘terms and conditions' of employment accounting for 25% of employment law calls and a further 15% regarding specific queries about disciplinary procedures.

30% of all calls made to FirstAssist are from SMEs who are, it said, clearly struggling to react to the plethora of recent legislation changes.

The company also said that the percentage of calls received about matrimonial and relationship issues has continued to be significant, highlighting the importance of Employee Assistance Programmes.

In queries about matrimonial and relationship issues, the legalities of separation and divorce affect 35% of callers, whereas financial provision following the break-up of a relationship preoccupies nearly 45% of callers in this category.

Mark Bramwell, operational manager - Legal Services at FirstAssist, said: "Recent figures revealed that 25% of workers could be suffering from emotional health issues so it's important that employers act to support and nurture their employees' performance at work.

"From a business point of view legal advice lines and EAPs provide numerous benefits. First, employment law can be a minefield, so it is little wonder that employers are seeking advice to deal with issues correctly.

"Second, advice and assistance helplines ultimately aid employee productivity by providing the resources to assist employees with their concerns; and in addition helps to mitigate the risk an employer has in managing their responsibility to the duty of care to their staff.”

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