Money talks | How HR can pinch the pennies

For many businesses, running on a shoestring budget is the only option for survival. Often this means cutting back on expenses, luxury perks and even essentials - like legal consultation.

However, in the world of employment the law is constantly evolving and firms need to be aware of new iterations of legislation as well as changes to regulatory requirements, trade rules and health and safety obligations. Not understanding the law can have a devestating impact.

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In fact, legal guidance is so important that many firms require it up to eight times a year. With the average price of a solicitor costing £200-an-hour, the cost can quickly add up. For HR professionals who baulk at the expense of, often necessary, legal consultation, there might be a workaround.

According to Paul Avis, Marketing Director at Canada Life Group, employers could be using their Group Income Protection policies, a provision aimed at providing an income to employees when they are unable to work long-term, to access otherwise costly legal advice.