<p>The official statistics for the period April 09 – March 10 have recently been published by the Tribunal Services and they show a significant increase in Employment Tribunal claims.  The main trends identified include an increase in:</p> <ul> <li>multiple, unfair dismissal, breach of contract and redundancy pay claims;</li> <li>claims for unauthorised deductions;</li> <li>claims of discrimination against disability, age and on the grounds of religion, belief or sexual orientation.</li> </ul> <p>These increases are widely believed to be partially due to the economic recession but also there does appear to be a growing litigious culture in the UK. This latter cause is of course fuelled by the increase in the availability of  ‘no win no fee’  organisations offering to lodge employment tribunal claims and also the ease with which individuals can now lodge a claim on line at no expense themselves.</p> <p>Clearly, no employer would intentionally place themselves in a position that would make them liable to an employment tribunal claim but it can happen to even the best and well intentioned of employers. There are two key things that all employers can do to provide some protection from claims from their employees and that is to ensure that they:</p> <ol> <li>have the correct contracts and policies and procedures in place;</li> <li>follow their internal policies and procedures, dealing with individuals in a fair but firm manner.</li> </ol> <p>If you have any concerns, you might find one of our DEMand Results ‘Top Tips’ leaflets helpful. The titles/subjects include:</p> <ul> <li>Absence Management</li> <li>Disciplinary & Grievance</li> <li>Dispute Resolution</li> <li>Essential steps for People Management</li> <li>Managing Bullying and Harassment</li> <li>Managing Redundancies</li> <li>Performance Management</li> <li>Training & Development Need</li> </ul> <p>These helpful and easy to follow leaflets are <strong>all free of charge</strong> and so do contact me – Denise Mather  at <a title="Visit the DEMand Results feature on the bestof Hinckley" href="http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/hinckley/business-guide/feature/demand-results-hinckley/71924" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">DEMand Results</span></strong></a> on <a href="mailto:enquiries@demandresults.co.uk">enquiries@demandresults.co.uk</a> if you would like to receive one or more of these leaflets.</p> <p>Further guidance on the rules and legislation behind employment tribunals can also be found on the <a title="Visit the Government's Tribunal Services website." href="http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/RulesLegislation/rulesThatGovern.htm" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Government Tribunal Services website</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>If you feel that you need some professional help or guidance with a potential employment tribunal issue, mediation or the preparation of policies and procedures to help you to avoid being taken to an employment tribunals then do <strong>contact me today on 01455 240 638</strong>.</p>/56c1ba56-27cb-46f9-8c6c-e53e5ade7395.jpg/1a156b1d-1db3-4d34-ae41-0a63d75b0963.jpg