Dental practices must equip themselves to be better protected against new employment legislation and social media trends, warns employment specialist Amanda Pillinger of MFG Solicitors in the Midlands.

'High profile changes to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims were brought in during spring 2012,' said Ms Pillinger. 'The qualifying period is now doubled to two years and was designed to help small businesses, encourage them to recruit more staff and avoid around 2,000 tribunals every year.

'However, experience has shown that employees determined to make a claim against their employer will stop at nothing to overcome this hurdle and find other tactics such as discrimination claims or whistleblowing – two areas which do not need a qualifying period.'

Ms Pillinger also said there are examples in recent months of inappropriate comments being made by workers on social networking sites – posts which have damaged the reputation of businesses.

'A range of procedures, up-to-date contracts and even an employee handbook can be effective tools for a later date – especially if a practice employee has signed and understood the detail. Those who have taken time to protect their practice by understanding legislation, putting procedures in place and having constant dialogue with their employees have found 2012 much easier on the HR front than those who haven't engaged with the changing employment landscape.'