Credit crunch inspires CIPD to launch damage limitation training for HR

Two courses to help HR staff and line managers handle strikes and redundancies better have been launched by the CIPD.

The first course, 'Practical Employee Relations', provides participants with the tools to handle employee relations in unionised and non-unionised workplaces, while the second, 'Managing Redundancy', offers the legal knowledge and skills to manage the complex redundancy process effectively.

Andrew Spencer, head of training at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said it was important for those on the front line to be prepared for any challenges they may face during the economic downturn.

"The real test of an 'employer of choice' is its realisation of the importance of learning and development at difficult times," Spencer said. "Investing in talent now will equip organisations to ride the current storm and be all the stronger when things improve."

The CIPD's Employment Relations survey claims one third of managers expect strike action this year.

An expert warned last week that the economic crisis threatens to overload already stretched HR departments if they don't train line managers to ease the burden.