CHEMICALS businesses got a lesson in the processes they must follow to comply with employment law and get ready to create jobs.

The free seminar run by Darlington-based company HR2day was aimed at the region's industrial and chemical sector, which is supported by hundreds of small firms.

Sponsored by NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster, the event brought together a host of organisations that are part of the BASME business acceleration programme for SMEs in the sector.

Nicky Jolley, founder of HR2day, said: "Industry relies on SME suppliers but many of these businesses don't have the resources to employ a full time HR manager. They need to be aware of their obligations to their existing workforce, but also have the tools in order to employ more people in the future and grow their businesses.

"We are delighted to be working alongside NEPIC to deliver informative events that support SMEs and to draw on our experience to offer advice and answer questions. By giving people confidence through knowledge we hope they will go on to grow their businesses successfully."

Processing is the biggest industrial sector in the North East supporting 1,400 companies directly and in the supply chain, generating £26bn in sales, exporting £12bn and employing 190,000 people.