February 13, 2001 11:44: A NEW edition of a best-selling personnel administration handbook is due out in the spring.

The Personnel Administration Handbook by John Forsaith of John Forsaith Associates in Seer Green and Nick Townsend of Personnel in Action in Beaconsfield was first published in 1998 and made the CIPD best seller list.

Both John and Nick have been personnel and training managers and directors in a number of industries and are Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. They are now self-employed HR consultants.

John said: "The vast majority of legislation is relatively unchanged, but interpretations put on by tribunals do change and adapt so employers must be alert, not only to regulatory changes, but also to tribunal case law.

"These administration systems are not there just for the sake of compliance but should be there to serve the needs and the decision-making of the business."

The co-authors' second publication, the Health and Safety Administration Handbook, came out in the summer of last year. Both handbooks are available from CIPD Enterprises Ltd (01752) 202301.