A CAR parts company supplying the North-East's largest vehicle maker is working with a law firm on a new training service.

Faltec Europe, based in Boldon, near Sunderland, which makes parts for Nissan's record-breaking Wearside plant, has joined forces with Hay and Kilner.

The law company has offices in Newcastle and has set up HR Showcase, designed to provide practical guidance for companies to minimise risks associated with managing a workforce.

The training includes work on conducting disciplinary and grievance hearings, addressing social media and its challenges, and how to monitor absence management.

Faltec makes a number of parts for Nissan, including door mouldings and wheel arches for its Qashqai model, and radiator grilles and centre consoles for the Japanese company's Juke range.

Employing more than 450 workers, it also supplies products to Land Rover, Toyota and Honda.

Chris Pennison, Faltec's managing director, said: “The training we received was designed and delivered beyond our expectations.

“It was absolutely fantastic and anything that keeps me out of an employment tribunal is more than value for money.”

Neil Dwyer, Hay and Kilner's partner and head of employment, added: “Prevention is better than cure.

“We train managers to handle all aspects of any HR process better so their decisions stand the test, which usually means less claims or appeals are made.

“In the long run that saves management time and legal costs.

“We empathise with the managers as we all have years of legal experience dealing with these matters.

“Each HR showcase programme is developed to meet the goals, budgets and time constraints of each business.

“We tailor sessions to meet requirements.”

Hay and Kilner previously launched its Key Service, which offers fixed price employment law services, backed by insurance protection.