The 2008 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) annual conference and exhibition will focus on how to survive turbulent times.

Amongst those speaking at the conference is the CIPD's chief economist, John Philpott and the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, Department for Work and Pensions.

Philpott said: "This year's CIPD Annual Conference falls just at the moment when the full impact of the credit crunch and the fuel and food price squeeze will start to emerge. With the fall-out for organisations and jobs at the forefront of everyone’s attention, managers will be offered the latest expert assessment of what lies ahead and learn how best to manage people in tougher times."

HRZone.co.uk recently reported on findings from KPMG's quarterly National Business Confidence Survey, which revealed that 53% of businesses plan to reduce their staff headcount over the coming months.

Other CIPD seminars include: Surviving and Thriving Through Turbulence: views from the top, with Carolyn McCall, chief executive from the Guardian Media Group (GMG) and David Robinson, Chairman from Richer Sounds.

HRZone.co.uk will be reporting live from the event, which runs from 16 to 18 September 2008.