A Resounding Success: Key Insights from Our Industrial Tribunal Workshop for HR Managers

The atmosphere on 21st May 2025 was one of focused engagement as HR managers and business leaders from across Malta joined us for Ten Yards Legal’s Industrial Tribunal Workshop. The positive feedback has been truly encouraging, and it’s clear that the event struck a chord. This post reflects on the key discussions of the day and underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting the HR community in Malta.

At Ten Yards Legal, our aim is to provide HR professionals with practical, actionable legal guidance. Understanding the nuances of Maltese employment law and the Industrial Tribunal is paramount for any HR manager. It’s not merely about compliance; it’s about fostering fair, productive workplaces and adeptly managing the inherent risks in employment matters. This workshop was crafted to build that understanding and confidence.

The Strategic Importance of Tribunal Knowledge for HR Professionals

As HR managers, you are at the heart of your organisations, managing the employee lifecycle from recruitment to departure. A thorough comprehension of how the Industrial Tribunal operates, and the principles it applies, is fundamental to your strategic role. Every policy implemented and every employee interaction carries potential legal implications. Our recent workshop focused on illuminating these complexities, offering clarity on how to navigate potential challenges proactively and effectively.

Exploring Core Themes: A Day of In-depth Learning

The workshop programme delved into a range of topics critical to human resources management in Malta. Participants engaged deeply with the material, contributing to a rich learning environment.

The probationary period received considerable attention. This initial phase of employment is often fraught with questions, and the session aimed to clarify employer responsibilities and employee rights, offering insights that participants found immediately relevant to their daily HR practice. Understanding the boundaries and obligations during probation is key to preventing future complications.

No discussion of employment law would be complete without a thorough examination of terminations of employment. We explored the vital principle that dismissals must be based on a "good and sufficient cause." The conversation also covered the careful handling required for redundancies, stressing the importance of ensuring such decisions are genuine and that fair procedures are followed, particularly when organisations undergo restructuring. Furthermore, we considered the less formally defined, but equally critical, area of constructive dismissal, where the onus is on employer conduct and the risk of an employee resigning due to untenable working conditions.

Finally, the workshop offered a valuable glimpse into the practical functioning of the Industrial Tribunal, with participants attending a live tribunal session. Attendees learnt about the process of initiating a claim, the preparation of essential documentation, and the employer's response. Emphasis was placed on understanding how evidence is presented, the typical inversion of the burden of proof where the employer often presents their case first, and the significant role that HR representatives play as key witnesses in tribunal proceedings. This insight into procedural aspects provided a practical perspective on what to expect should a matter escalate to the Tribunal.

Echoes from the Event: What Our Attendees Valued

The positive responses have been heartening, with many HR managers sharing what they found most beneficial. The practical application of legal principles clearly resonated:

"Truly excellent workshop – genuinely one of the best I've attended on this subject. Highly informative and well-structured!"

"The speakers were outstanding – their knowledge and the way they explained complex issues made all the difference. The practical examples were incredibly valuable."

"A very insightful and well-delivered workshop. The focus on real-life scenarios provided fantastic practical understanding."

These comments reflect the workshop's core aim: to translate complex legal requirements into understandable and applicable HR strategies. The opportunity for direct interaction with experienced legal professionals like Dr Borg and Dr Farrugia was also highly prized.

A Shared Experience in Professional Development

The workshop was more than a series of presentations; it was an opportunity for HR leaders to connect, share experiences, and discuss common challenges in a supportive environment. The quality of the discussions and the depth of engagement from participants highlighted the collective desire within Malta's HR community for high-calibre professional development in employment law. The insights shared, both by our speakers and amongst attendees, contributed to a genuinely enriching experience.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, Talexio, Konnekt, and APS Bank, whose support helped make this event possible.

Continuing the Dialogue: Future Learning Opportunities

Given the overwhelmingly positive reception and the clear appetite for further learning expressed by attendees, Ten Yards Legal is enthusiastic about continuing this important dialogue. We are already considering a programme of future events.

We believe in fostering an informed and proactive HR community. Our commitment is to continue providing these valuable learning opportunities.

Partnering with HR Professionals in Malta

Successfully navigating Malta's evolving employment law landscape is an ongoing endeavour. The enthusiasm and engagement at our Industrial Tribunal Workshop reinforce our dedication to supporting HR managers with the expert guidance and practical knowledge they need.

We invite you to stay connected with Ten Yards Legal. Please do keep an eye on our website and follow our social media channels for announcements regarding future workshops and employment law insights. We look forward to welcoming you to our next event.