Law & more: Your annual Employment Law roundup

It’s that time of year again! 2026 is shaping up to be a seismic year for HR/People practitioners in Wales that need to stay ahead of changes in law and regulations and supporting their organisations in facilitating any chances.

We are collaborating once again with the ever-professional Hugh James, a Top 100 Full-Service UK law firm, to bring you your annual employment law update, covering recent and upcoming legislation and case law affecting the HR/People landscape.

There will be a short opportunity to ask general questions at the end of the session; we politely ask that any questions you wish to ask are general and not case/situation-specific (e.g. “I’ve got a situation where x has happened, what should I do in this specific scenario?”)

Like previous years, this session is anticipated to be highly demanded, so book sooner rather than later to secure your place! If you do book and can no longer attend (life happens!), please ensure you cancel your booked place(s) as soon as you can so others can attend instead.

Session Objectives:

1. Disseminate a clear update on contemporary employment legislation and case law that is relevant to local People Practitioners

2. Provide useful and supportive discussions and awareness points that attendees can reflect on and apply to their own organisations.

3. Provide a brief opportunity for attendees to ask non-case/situation-specific questions e.g. implications of new/recent legislation, thoughts on any upcoming bills, etc.

Speaker:

Louise Price, Partner and Head of Employment and HR Services, Hugh James Solicitors

Louise is a Partner and Head of Employment and HR Services at Hugh James, and a highly experienced employment and pensions lawyer advising private, public and third-sector organisations across Wales and beyond. She specialises in complex employment law matters including large-scale TUPE transfers, organisational change, restructures and redundancies, senior exits, and pensions and employee benefits.

She is trusted by clients in regulated and high-profile sectors including social housing, media, education and social care, and has extensive experience advising on discrimination, whistleblowing and unfair dismissal claims, including defending long running and high-profile tribunal and EAT proceedings. Louise also leads the firm’s non-contentious pensions practice and is a recognised specialist in Social Housing Pension Scheme matters.

Alongside her advisory work, Louise acts as an independent investigating officer in sensitive employment matters and serves as legal adviser to Social Care Wales on Fitness to Practise hearings. She is a regular speaker at CIPD and CHC events and a contributor to employment law commentary.

Hugh James

Hugh James is a leading, full-service UK law firm recognised for taking on complex challenges and delivering outcomes that matter. The firm advises businesses, public bodies, not for profit organisations and individuals across Wales and England.

On the business side, Hugh James works with banks and financial institutions, national and international companies, property and construction clients, technology and media businesses, energy and sustainability organisations, healthcare providers and insurers. The firm is particularly well known for its work in social housing and the public sector, acting for the Welsh Government and the majority of local authorities in Wales.

Through partner led, specialist teams, Hugh James supports organisations with governance, regulation, disputes and workforce issues, helping clients navigate change, manage risk and protect what matters most.

Information:

Arrive from 17:30 for networking and food.

Event starts art 18:00

Driving: Parking onsite, easy access via M4, turning off at J32 / Coryton Roundabout, 1st right on Pendwyallt Road/A4054 (if coming from Coryton Roundabout)

Rail: Coryton Station, then 15 minute walk north up Pendwyallt Road/ A4054

Bus: Services 26 (Cardiff - Blackwood), 132 (Cardiff - Maerdy) and 136 (Cardiff - Creigiau) all serve the bus station outside the Village Hotel.

Please note:

1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the morning of the event.

2. Photography and video production may take place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.

3. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.

4. Please cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place if your plans change and you can no longer make it – there is usually a waitlist for our events.

5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.

6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.

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Host or Publisher The CIPD Branch in South East Wales