A local solicitor has highlighted new measures from the Ministry of Justice designed to ensure that people who have been granted awards by an Employment Tribunal receive the money they are owed for transgressions by their employers, such as those relating to unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination and equal pay.

According to Kevin Modiri of Bakewells in Derby, “The Ministry’s research showed that only 53% of the people surveyed had received their awards in full, while a staggering 39% had not received any money at all.

“As a result, Justice Secretary Jack Straw has empowered High Court Enforcement Officers to take on responsibility for ensuring that such awards are paid. This means that they can remove goods from a business that fails to settle its debt, including stock, plant, machinery and office equipment.”

For many businesses, this is likely to cause more disruption to their activities than the financial penalty itself, as well as having a powerful negative impact on its reputation.

As Kevin continues, “There are, of course, cases when an employer feels aggrieved by the size of award made against them. Under these circumstances, there is a clear procedure under which they can appeal against the penalty.

“In such cases, we are highly experienced in successfully representing employers at the Employment Appeal Tribunal. If this is your situation, please contact our Employment Law team on 01332 348791, who will be delighted to help. Under no circumstances, however, should any business simply ignore an award made against them.”