Bricklayers among those to be taught use of proper pronouns

Building firms are among those turning to a HR specialist in order to train staff around what they can and can’t say when it comes to “legal tripwires” like people’s gender.

Outsourced HR LTD, has warned companies that fall foul of equality law could face bills of almost £70,000 if they fail to create an inclusive workplace.

Sasha Warr, who founded the company 13 years ago, says companies that don’t train their staff risk suffering “colossal damage” both financially and to their brand if they fail to create an inclusive workplace.

She said: “Companies are incredibly nervous about the current climate, as there are now so many potential pitfalls and legal tripwires that could quickly undo the hard work people have invested into a successful business to build it up."

“Often managers don’t know or fully understand the law around topics like gender, and they can understandably feel overwhelmed by it all, as it is all just so fast-changing."

Bricklayers are among those taking training to use correct pronouns (Image: PA MEDIA)

The team of Sasha, along with fellow HR consultants Rebecca Iles and Colette Farrell, have over 60 years of combined experience and have never lost an employment tribunal.

“We have had everybody from construction firms to GP practices asking for our help to advise their staff on everything from language and pronouns to behaviour, and ensuring your staff are well trained and compliant is a vital step that can even pay off if the worst does still happen,” added Rebecca.

Rebecca Illes, Colette Farrell and Sasha Warr from Outsourced HR (Image: OUTSOURCED PR)

“If a company failed to take the responsible step and train their staff, there could potentially be an uplift in the payout if they did lose a tribunal and if a company doesn’t have a strong set of published policies, then that will likely be frowned upon by an employment judge.”

Outsourced HR LTD, based in Darlington, estimates that a ruling of discrimination could, on average, cost a business a staggering £27,000 - but the final bill could be a lot more. 

An award for unfair dismissal could set the firm back a further £14,000 while the company may also have to pay an additional £11,000 for injury to feelings.

And with legal fees potentially reaching around £15,000, that could mean a total payout of £67,000 – a fee Sasha insists can be avoided by partnering with the right experts and securing training.

“We are not an external provider or a call centre – we instead stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the business and act as an HR partner that allows them to run the business their way with advice that fits around their ethos,” she added.