BUSINESSES in Wyre Forest are being invited to a free business seminar next month where they will be told how the National Living Wage will affect them and their employees.

Recruitment sector expert Jeff Brooks, the vice chairman of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), will deliver the two-hour session from 9am on Tuesday February 9 at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

The seminar, which is backed by Kidderminster recruitment firm eResponse Group, will help local business leaders understand the challenges they will face when the £7.20 per hour national living wage sweeps into effect this April.

Mr Brooks will talk through the changes unveiled by the Chancellor last summer which will see the pay floor hit £9-an-hour by 2020, affecting around 23 per cent of the country’s workforce.

Tina White, Commercial General Manager of eResponse Group, said: “Jeff’s credentials in the recruitment sector are second to none. The seminar gives businesses here in Wyre Forest a rare opportunity to gain an insight into what the new National Living Wage will mean for them and how it will affect their future.

“Implementing the new minimum pay laws from April will be a strain for many employers so Jeff will be on hand to help them plan and thoroughly prepare in advance.

“We hope that the seminar attracts as many business owners and HR professionals as possible.”

Spaces for the free breakfast seminar are limited and eResponse is offering the event on a first come first served basis.

To book a place readers can email Alison Fry through afry@eresponsegroup.co.uk or telephone 01527 66688 (ex.417).