About 200 city business people got to grips with the extension of holiday entitlement and recent high-profile challenges under disability discrimination laws at this year's annual Employment Law Breakfast Briefing.

They were also updated on farreaching amendments governing sex discrimination in the workplace.

Now in its 13th year, the seminar, hosted by Anne Corder Recruitment and Hegarty LLP Solicitors, is recognised as a key date in the business calendar, and the opportunity to hear news and advice on the very latest employment issues.

It's just 10 years since the statutory right to holiday time off was introduced, and the current process of extending that entitlement was a key area of discussion following a presentation given by Hegarty LLP's employment partner, Martin Bloom.

He also talked about recent rulings which could have a dramatic impact on claims under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Tim Thompson, also from Hegarty LLP, updated delegates on amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, including changes which apply to women workers due to give birth after October 5 this year.

"No company, whatever the size or line of business, can afford to ignore employment legislation," said Martin.

"The seminar serves a number of purposes, not least to bring businesses together to discuss rel- evant issues.

"In many cases, individual organisations hear advice which reinforces what they are already doing; for others, it can be an eye opener. We aim to ensure the city's employers have the necessary understanding and provision."

The seminar was introduced by Anne Corder, of the city's leading independent recruitment agency, based in Park Road.

"The seminar always proves invaluable, and it was wonderful to, once again, see so many people attend," she said.

"None of us can afford to let any legislation pass us by. The seminar once again provided a forum for discussion and equipped delegates with plenty of information to feed back."