In recent weeks, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced the launch of two new member services – a new Legal Helpline and a new service to help merchants manage employment risks named BMF Intelligent Employment Plus.
The Legal Helpline will provide advice on any employment, commercial, civil or criminal matter (excluding health & safety) relating to a BMF member’s normal business activities. Operating on a new telephone number, 0870 420 7373, the first 15 minutes of the service is completely free of charge.
Selected employment lawyers at Halborns (which also provides the BMF Intelligent Employment Plus service) and commercial lawyers at DCH Law – who will advise on non-employment matters – will operate the Helpline.
This legal team has a practical understanding of the merchant sector and will be on call between 9am and 5pm each weekday to provide high quality, solutions-focused legal advice, quickly and conveniently. Many issues can be dealt with speedily. However, if a query cannot be resolved within the 15 minute free call, members have the option to commission further legal advice at an additional, discounted cost.
Last month (December), the BMF announced the launch of a new, enhanced service to help members stay up to date with employment law and to provide support managing difficult employment issues. BMF Intelligent Employment Plus is an annual subscription service, developed and run by Halborns, a Midlands based employment law firm that provides “straightforward, straight-talking, solution focused advice for clients nationwide”.
BMF Membership Services Director, Richard Ellithorne, said: “Running a business is challenging enough and, for a small business, staffing issues can take more time than they should. An annual contract with BMF Intelligent Employment Plus gives merchants the support they need to deal confidently with employment issues within their business and manage any risks efficiently and professionally.”
Halborns director, Ginny Hallam, added: “Our advisors are experienced employment lawyers who understand that BMF members want straightforward advice that provides a solution to achieve their aim. We help BMF members to stay on top of legislation and manage employment risks effectively, for example by successfully dealing with poor performance and absences and by protecting your business from employment claims.”
To introduce the service, Halborns is offering any BMF member a free, no-obligation review of their existing employment contracts and handbooks. For further information about the BMF Intelligent Employment Plus service, please contact Richard.Ellithorne@bmf.org.uk or call Richard on 024 7685 49980.
