Recession hit firms face threat of more tribunal claims

Firms in Nottingham could face a huge rise in tribunal claims over the next few years because of the economic climate and new developments in employment law.

That’s the warning from a leading city law firm and follows the latest figures from the Tribunal Service which show that the number of claims rose by 43% last year to a record high of 189,303.

A third of those claims related to equal pay.

Stephen Luke, employment specialist at Andersons Solicitors in Nottingham, believes the situation could soon become even more difficult for employers who are already reeling because of the credit crunch. “We’re now seeing an increasing number of claims from employees made redundant because of the recession which could drive the tribunal figures even higher.

“Employees are more aware of their rights these days and prepared to pursue all sorts of claims relating to pay and conditions. For example, a group of former Revenue and Customs staff have just won a case in the House of Lords which ruled that they were entitled to accrue holiday pay while they were on long term sick leave.”

Stephen Luke said the new Equality Bill, which introduces stronger measures to tackle various forms of discrimination, could lead to a further rise in claims relating to age, disability and equal pay.

“Many of the claims will be genuine but there is also a danger of a victim culture emerging in which someone who doesn’t get their way in the workplace feels entitled to make a claim.

“Many employers may need to raise their game because such claims can prove expensive, especially if the employee’s complaint is not handled correctly.”

Stephen Luke is a Legal executive in the employment Department at Andersons Solicitors he can be contacted on 0115 988 6726 or by emailing: sluke@andersonssolicitors.co.uk