The number of cases that have gone to an employment tribunal since fees were scrapped last year has increased by 39%, according to workplace conflict service Acas*.
We are hosting a mock employment tribunal, giving employers an opportunity to see first-hand how a hearing examines the evidence and applies the law to come to a decision in a claim of unfair dismissal.
The free event – which takes place at Radisson Blu, at East Midlands Airport, on Tuesday 25th September – will focus on the dismissal of a male employee following an allegation of sexual harassment made against him by a colleague.
Laura Kearsley
, Partner and specialist Employment Law Solicitor, will be delivering the final judgement at the event. She said:
“The Supreme Court ruled that employment tribunal fees, which were introduced in 2013 and could cost up to £1,200, were unlawful. As it is now free for an employee to bring a claim, those that may have thought twice about doing so when there was a fee to pay will have nothing to stop them.
“Most employers won’t see what happens at an employment tribunal until they are there themselves to defend a claim. The maximum award for unfair dismissal is currently just under £100,000 so it is not something that should be ignored. Our mock employment tribunal aims to give an insight into what could happen in the event of a member of staff making a claim, as well as providing tips on how to avoid the real thing.
“This would be a useful event for anyone within a business that may be called upon to give evidence in response to a claim from an employee. Attending and giving evidence at a tribunal can be an unfamiliar and nerve-wracking experience for many – but by breaking down the tribunal process and see how a decision is reached, we hope to answer questions that you and your managers may have to put your mind at rest.”
Businesses will be able to watch the case from start to finish, see the witnesses give evidence and be cross-examined. Closing submissions will be made by each side and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the outcome with our specialist Employment Law team.
The event is free to attend but places are limited. For more information or to register your attendance, please click here or call 0115 989 5398.
*In its annual report, Acas revealed that in the last financial year it handled 26,012 cases that were referred to the employment tribunal, compared with 18,647 claims in 2016/17.