Peninsula Business Services research shows that many UK SME's are not ready for tribunal reforms

GREATER MANCHESTER, U.K. - May 7, 2013 - PRLog -- - 67% of small business bosses are unaware of new tribunal reforms to be introduced this year.

- 65% of small firms do not have any financial protection to defend themselves against employment tribunal.

- 73% of SME’s believe the Government could do more to tackle the burden of employment law red tape imposed on small businesses.  

The employment law consultancy questioned 635 employers from a wide range of small firms.

Peninsula Group Director Alan Price said today, “These are the biggest tribunal reforms in years and I’m amazed at what little businesses know. The Government have introduced reforms to try and stop frivolous claims ending up at employment tribunal. Whilst this is good in theory, it still means that it will cost employers, so many bosses may end up paying thousands of pounds just to defend themselves.”

Price continues, “In addition, bosses will need to pay more fees if they lose multiple claims, in fact you may be liable for up to £10,000 of fees, for a small firm, this is a lot of money.”

“In order for bosses to protect themselves they need to ensure that they have watertight HR policies and procedures in place. Dismissal rules are very complex and they are the main reason why disgruntled workers end up taking their employer to tribunal. If it is proven that bosses have dismissed incorrectly then it opens the doors for more employees to take their boss to tribunal.”

Price concludes, “Workplace disputes are won in the workplace, so get those HR policies and procedures watertight, make sure you follow the rules, this way it will lessen the chances of being taken to tribunal.”

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Notes to editor:

- Peninsula Business Services is the UK’s largest employment law consultancy based in Manchester.

- Alan Price is Employment Law Director for Peninsula Business Services.

- 635 small firms were questioned for the survey between March and April 2013.

- For further clarification please contact Sammual - James McLoughlin at Peninsula on 0161 827 8511.