Enterprise Risk Management and Crisis Communications Planning for Corporate Downsizing, Plant Closures and Staff Layoffs in China
The global economic slowdown is forcing many foreign companies in China to downsize their operations in order to lower costs. Some are reducing supply contracts and delaying capital projects, while others are taking more drastic measures such as closing company facilities and releasing employees. However, engaging in operational downsizing and employee retrenchment activities in China can present increased risk to company employees and assets, if not managed properly. Factory sit-ins, personal injury and death threats, office disruptions, and even kidnapping and hostage situations are increasingly common physical security risks that company managers face when announcing layoffs. In addition to mitigating security threats, companies are also challenged with managing reputational risk among a wide range of stakeholders, particularly government and media, as well as with complying with Labor Contract Law when making staff layoffs.
To learn more about the operational risks and government relations challanges of corporate downsizing in China please join speakers Mr Jay Hoenig, President of Hill & Associates (China), Mr. Kenneth Jarrett, Vice Chairman of APCO Greater China, and Susan Munro, Counsel based in O'Melveny and Myers.
Jay Hoenig, President of Hill & Associates China (for Bio click here)
Kenneth Jarrett, Vice Chairman for Greater China, APCO (for Bio click here)
Susan Munro, Counsel based in O'Melveny (for Bio click here)
Agenda:
08:00 – 08:30 - Registration
08:30 – 08:35 - Introduction by Tony Brooks from EUCCC
08:35 – 08:50 - Presentation by Jay Hoenig from Hill & Associates
08:50 - 09:15 - Presentation by Kenneth Jarrett from APCO
09:15 – 09:40 - Presentation by Susan Munro from O'Melveny & Myers
09:40 – 10:00 - Q&A
Event Terms & Conditions:
Please be advised that the media is normally allowed to attend all EUCCC public events unless otherwise stated, on the condition that no one attending these events quotes participants by name (the "Chatham House Rules").
To register for this event please register online by 14:00 Monday, 2nd March. Please note that we will send you a registration confirmation. We require 24 hours notice for cancellations, no-shows who fail to cancel before this time will be invoiced for the event. Registrations done after the deadline will be accepted only if space permits and are charged an additional 50 RMB walk-in fee. For any further enquiries please contact Mr. Manuel Medeiros at mmedeiros@euccc.com.cn
Please note that registration starts at 08:00. The seminar starts at 08:30 and the door will close at 08:40. Fees will be collected in cash at the entrance.
Event review
For further information on today's presentation and the presentation itself please contact Jim Yuan at Hill Associates on: jim.yuan@hill-assoc.com
On Tuesday 3rd March, at the Sofitel Hyland Hotel in Shanghai, a well-attended breakfast seminar on risk management for corporate downsizing was given to European Chamber members. four experts gave the presentation: Jay Hoenig and Danny Lawley from Hill & associates, Kenneth Jarrett from APCO and Susan Munro from O'Melveny & Myers LLP. The four speakers captivated the audience with their experience and erudition on the subject of laying off staff and the risks associated with such compulsory downsizing. All aspects of the downsizing package were considered and elaborated upon in great detail. For example, Kenneth Jarrett discussed how to involve all stakeholders, such as government, in the downsizing process, so as to avoid any problems with different government agencies. Susan Munro also discussed the Labour contract Law and how this relatively new piece of legislation affects companies when they are considering downsizing or even exiting China.