KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Tribunal Claims rise by 120%: Is Your Business Protected?

The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice have been released and show that employment tribunal claims have risen by 120%. The big rise in claims is due to the lifting of fees by the Supreme Court in July 2017, which ruled they were 'unlawful' and a barrier to justice'.

This means there are no longer any fees preventing employees from escalating their case to tribunal, which will then fall upon employers to argue the case. Any business which has a claim made against it may have to seek legal advice through a solicitor, which costs £5,000 per claim, on average. Rising tribunal claims - the latest statistics:

* National minimum wage: there has been a 130% increase in claims made by the end of 2017
* Equal pay: there have been over 9,300 claims made between July to September 2017 - a 274% increase
* Unauthorised deductions from wages: over 5,500 claims were made from July to September 2017 - a 179% increase
* Failure to inform and consult during redundancy: nearly 1,000 claims were made from July to September 2017 - a 119% increase

One of the many advantages of membership of the Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association is that you have access to a free employment law helpline - practical expert advice to help protect your business from a potential claim, or assistance with managing an ongoing situation.

"As a member, you can protect your business in three steps," says the KBSA's Dawn Harlow:

Step 1: Correct documentation: Employers should ensure the correct documentation is in place to avoid the risk of facing a tribunal claim and to determine the status of their staff.

Step 2: Take advice & follow procedures: This will ensure employers are lowering the risk of facing a tribunal - however, there is nothing stopping a current, or ex-employee, from lodging a claim now.

Step 3: Use the free employment law helpline: Your membership provides access to free legal advice, which is necessary to assess the merits of a claim once papers are received. This ensures employers are not paying settlements when claims have no realistic chance of success."

For the price of a low cost telephone call, the KBSA members' free advice line - provided by Croner - can also assist with health & safety, tax & VAT and commercial legal issues.

Not a member? Contact the KBSA and learn about the many other benefits of membership via:

T: 01623 818808
W: www.kbsa.org.uk

26th January 2018