Staff conduct and discipline were the major issues faced by the owners of smaller firms who contacted the Forum of Private Business over the Christmas period. The number of enquiries related to employee conduct accounted for around 30 per cent of all calls received by the FPB's legal helpline during December.

The volume of calls fell as many businesses closed over the festive period, but not as sharply as in 2006. Matters of conduct and discipline were the most common cause of disputes between those who contacted the FPB for help.

There was also a sharp increase in the number of enquiries regarding actual or prospective redundancy situations.