Small to medium-sized companies in the fresh produce sector could be on dangerous ground when it comes to new employment laws, a consultant has warned.

A recent survey of companies in the industry carried out by Redfox revealed only a minority of businesses have proper disciplinary and grievance procedures in place.

Daryon Eldridge, HR and training consultant, said: “The Employment Act is one of the most complicated pieces of legislation that’s come out for some time.

“The best advice we can give companies is that they need to make sure they have policies in place otherwise they are leaving themselves wide open.”

She said companies not following the procedures laid down may find that any dismissal could end up at tribunal and cost them a considerable amount.

“The smaller companies need to get to grips with it or they may find themselves on dangerous ground.”