Seek employment advice early to avoid tribunals

Research released today shows that business owners who seek advice on workplace problems are more likely to avoid employment tribunals, and all the associated costs.

The independent research, commissioned by the employment relations service Acas, showed that its helpline helped to avert around 16,000 employment tribunals last year (saving approximately £120m).

According to the research, the biggest worries for the UK's employees are redundancy, lay-offs and business transfers.

The study also showed that almost a quarter (23%) of employees had been considering making an employment tribunal claim before calling, but of this percentage, almost a third (30%) decided against pursuing a claim as a result of the information provided, meaning 16,000 were averted.

Ed Sweeney from Acas said:

“These findings show that talking things through can make a huge difference. Clearly there are savings to be made for both business and the individual. Employment tribunals can be expensive, time-intensive and stressful."

"As well as using our helpline service and website, we are urging businesses and employees to take a ‘prevention over cure’ approach and stop these types of problem escalating to employment tribunals.”

For more information on employment disputes and tribunals, visit Acas.