If a claim has been brought against your business in an Employment Tribunal by a current or former employee, then instructing a specialist Employment Solicitor can limit, or even prevent, the amount of compensation you may be liable to pay.
Employment Tribunals can often be lengthy and expensive and, unlike civil claims, there is no automatic right for the successful party to be able to recover their costs from the losing party. The majority of cases resolve through mediation or early settlement, though some do proceed to a final Tribunal Hearing. Either way, it is crucial that you engage the services of a specialist who can assist in defending the claim.

There are a variety of claims that can be brought to an Employment Tribunal. These include (although not exhaustive):

• Sexual Harassment/Discrimination
• Unfair Dismissal
• Breach of Contract
• Discrimination on Grounds of Disability/Sexual Orientation/Religion or Belief
• Equal Pay
• Unpaid Wages
• Redundancy Matters

The time limit for making an application is usually three months from either the date the employee’s employment ended or the date the matter complained about occurred. The Employment Tribunal has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to extend this time limit.

As an employer, although it is possible to represent yourself at an Employment Tribunal, it is advisable to seek specialist advice from a specialist Employment Solicitor. An Employment Solicitor can give advice on the merits of the claim and assist through the various stages, including drafting your defence, disclosure of documents, preparation of trial bundles and in the interim can assist in the conduct of alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

Should the matter go to an Employment Tribunal hearing and you get an unfavourable decision, we can advise on the merits of appealing that decision.

When you instruct our Team, we will:

• Consider the merits of claim brought against you or your company;
• Consider the prospects of successfully defending the claim;
• Indicate what our likely fees will be;
• Consider the potential awards available to the claimant;
• Consider any counter claim in the event of an overpayment of wages

For further advice and information on dealing with claims before the Employment Tribunals or the various services offered by our Employment Law Team please use the contact form or call 01244 354667 and ask for John Loney or 01244 354762 and ask for Victoria Jackson.