The most famous 12-week long interview has started. As we all know employment law is very much alive and kicking in the workplace and is something every boardroom needs to be on top of. So, is Sir Alan Sugar an HR dream or nightmare? Expert employment lawyers, from law firm Halliwells, will be keeping a watchful eye on the antics of Sir Alan and his apprentices in a weekly column, to be published every Thursday from now on.

Christopher Davies, professional support lawyer, Halliwells

The series is likely to raise a number of controversial HR issues as the recruitment process comes under the spotlight. Already it could be argued that there is a taint of potential age discrimination given that the candidates are limited to a group of what was described by the show’s host as: "bright, young things". 

Hot on the heels of newspaper reports of Sir Alan’s concerns that many women will find it harder to find employment because of sex discrimination laws, it was probably fortunate for the female candidates in the programme that the male candidates caused the most problems in the first episode by infighting among themselves.

The male team set about the first task, to sell fish, in what can only be described as a clueless manner. The problem – a complete lack of team work resulting in fundamental mistakes being made and a growing sense of animosity between the candidates as they resorted to blaming each other for the collective failure. The clear divisions in the group were highlighted even further when one candidate spoke of a split between the poshly educated professional candidates and the ‘salesman’ type business candidates that were into football.

Team work

It should not be forgotten that in the real world of employment too team work is essential to the success of any business. Employees may come from a wide range of backgrounds or cultures. Getting these employees to work together as a team can be sometimes difficult. Many employers have invested time and money on a variety of means by which team work can be encouraged.

Bringing a group of employees together outside the confines of their usual work environment is generally recognised as a means by which understanding and camaraderie among team members can be greatly developed. The activities vary greatly; sometimes employees will be given the opportunity to practise new skills, take part in a treasure hunt or even learn to play a musical instrument.

In these circumstances, management should be hands on and follow through the activities with a review session linking the experience back to the realities of the workplace. If activity sessions are undertaken and tied in with business strategies and internal performance management systems, then the employer can derive a real business benefit.

In the early stages of The Apprentice, the candidates are set tasks to highlight that there is a real need to work as a team rather than to just think of oneself as an individual within the organisation. A problem that many HR managers have to face.  

This column will be followed up every Thursday from now on...