DUBAI — Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP, recently organized a webinar advising businesses on legal and practical aspects of employment during COVI/D-19.

The event was attended by 270 participants, including business owners, managers, legal and human resources professionals representing a wide range of economic sectors. Sessions were moderated by Ben Brown, partner, Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP, Yannick Ramsamy managing associate Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP and Pavneet Bajwa, head of HR for UAE, Standard Chartered Bank.

The webinar examined a wide range of solutions to help companies adapt to the new normal, minimize legal risks, avoid costly employment, reduce the number of disputes in workplace and ensure employee wellbeing. In addition, presentations outlined important factors that should be taken into account by companies when changing terms of employment, compensation and benefits.

Jehad Kazim, director of the Legal Services Department at Dubai Chamber, noted that new challenges created by the COVID-19 are leading businesses to review their policies and strategies and adapt in line with the requirements of the new business landscape. Kazim explained, shed light on important legal and HR matters that businesses of all sizes and sectors should be aware of as they enter into new contracts, make employment decisions and plan for the post-COVID-19 recovery.

For his part, Ben Brown, partner, Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP, said COVID-19 has created a number of prominent and unexpected challenges for companies in the UAE, many of which relate to human resources and employment, many of which will likely remain during the post-COVID-19 era. He highlighted the example of UAE companies that had to consider how to resource their business activities and adopt flexible working policies due to restrictions imposed during the lockdown.

Dubai Chamber regularly organizes training seminars and workshops to raise awareness about important matters and issues impacting the business community in Dubai. These events fall in line with its strategic objectives of creating a favorable business environment and supporting business growth in the emirate. — SG