With the new Corporate Manslaughter (Corporate Homicide in Scotland) Act fast approaching, international law firm Eversheds is holding a series of seminars aimed at informing and educating UK employers about the significance of the new legislation.

The seminars, headed by some of the UK’s leading health and safety lawyers, are taking place until March 27, in major cities across the UK.

Eversheds is urging employers to fully appreciate the impact of the new laws, which will come into force on April 6, and the subsequent need to ensure health and safety is at the top of the boardroom agenda.

The new law will make it easier to convict organisations whose managers have breached their duty of care, causing death. Previously, prosecutions have failed against all but the smallest companies, so the new act could potentially see a dramatic rise in the number of corporate manslaughter cases against businesses.

The act will hold all employers accountable for the actions and decisions of their managers, rather than one single individual, which were perceived to be the key failure under the current legislation.

The penalties will become far more severe with the possibility of a fine based on a percentage of annual turnover, which is a recommendation outlined in a consultation paper from the Sentencing Advisory Panel. In addition, a convicted company may be forced to publicise their offence, which could be extremely damaging to the business’ reputation.

Kevin Elliott, regulatory partner at Eversheds, said: “We cannot stress enough, the impact that this law will have on all UK businesses. With the act taking effect in six weeks, it is essential that all employers quickly understand the finer details and the potential ramifications, particularly in light of the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s recommendations to fine companies up to 10 per cent of their annual turnover.”

Elliott added: “Businesses with a strong commitment to health and safety should have nothing to fear, however it is vital that UK companies are up-to-date with the new laws and ensure their policies comply in order to limit the number of prosecutions.”