McClure Naismith is hosting seminars in September to help companies consider the key legal risks and implications arising from restructuring decisions.

"With UK unemployment having now risen to 1.67m, and fears that the economic downturn is set to accelerate, businesses will be increasingly concerned about how to cut overheads," the firm said in a statement.

"Reducing staff numbers will be high on the agenda of many companies, however, whilst it is relatively easy to hire, firing and restructuring of staff is fraught with legal problems. The field of employment law is highly complex and businesses that make swift decisions and fail to follow the correct legal procedures are at risk of lengthy, stressful and costly action." 

The seminar will use real case studies to illustrate good and bad examples of business restructuring. Delegates will also be provided with a checklist to ensure they are aware of the correct procedures and policies, and that the risk of legal action is minimized.

The free seminars will be hosted by employment partner David Hughes, and will be held in Glasgow (24th September) and Edinburgh (25th September) from 12.30pm to 2pm.