A SENIOR figure in employment law in the North-East has joined regional firm BHP Law as it seeks to build a comprehensive employment law and HR service for employers.

Alistair Smith is well known in the region's legal sector, having been a partner at a Teesside-based firm for which he set up a new office in Newcastle.

He is national legal adviser on disputes to the Federation of Small Businesses, as well as advising local and national businesses and trade associations on employment law and HR matters.

He is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

His arrival follows that of solicitor Oliver Hebdon to BHP Law's employment law team, which is seeing significant growth. Existing associate Paul Hargreaves specialises in employment dispute resolution and tribunal work, while Alistair will lead the firm's new service for employers.

He said: "We will be putting a lot of emphasis on offering preventative advice and on employee engagement, helping employers to avoid workplace disputes and to ensure they have all the necessary procedures in place so they can concentrate on running their businesses.

"For me, joining BHP is an exciting opportunity to offer everything that a business might need to employ people, from traditional helpline advice with insurance backing through to HR, training and even payroll. We think this full range of services will differentiate the firm from other providers who might not offer everything under one roof."