Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield
Chamber of Commerce
Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons
CONTACT: Julia Gray T: 0845 603 6650
Warning for Sutton firms as tribunal fees are scrapped
A human resources expert has warned that growing numbers of Sutton Coldfield businesses could be hauled before the employment courts. Sara Abbot (pictured), of Sutton-based
HR Dept, said that a decision to axe court fees levied on disgruntled employees who take their bosses to court could lead to a boom in the number of employment tribunals – and a big pay day for the former. She said that the introduction of fees
for such cases in 2013 had led to a massive 79 per cent drop in the number of tribunals. But now the Supreme Court has taken the decision to drop the fees, she believes more employees will be tempted to take their boss to court. She said: “It was a real shock that the Supreme Court axed the fees and nobody really expected it. If an employee feels like they have a case for an employment tribunal, they’ll be able to do so without any costs.
“We’re expecting to see a massive rise in
claims, especially for unpaid wages which were previously prohibitively expensive to recover. “Making sure you keep a good relationship with employees has never been more important, especially as average claims for dismissal have reached £14,000 – over 10 per cent more than last year. “Being compliant with all areas of employment law, as well as taking professional advice is the best way to avoid being taken to a tribunal.
“If Sutton Coldfield small business owners are
worried about making sure they're compliant and in a position to avoid a tribunal altogether, we'd suggest seeking expert advice.” When fees were introduced, employees had to
find between £390 and £1,200 to pursue a claim. If successful, the average award for unfair
dismissal was around £14,000 – but many people were put off the fees.
Behind the scenes: Ark’s film crew shooting one of the videos
Jet-setting firm
scoops up awards A Sutton Coldfield-based video production company has busy building a name on the world stage recently. Ark Media has been commissioned to work
on projects in Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Gran Canaria and the USA. Among these projects was the world’s first
‘dual nation hackathon’ event. During the hackathon, Ark had a crew of
seven in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a similar number in London, in order to film the event simultaneously in both countries. The company produced 25 one-minute
long promotional films showcasing the people taking part in the event. The project has drawn much acclaim,
winning a ‘Rose Gold Award’ at the Muse Creative Awards and ‘best event video’ at the Global Trend Awards.
Chambers and Cook is a family-owned freight
company, which for over 90 years has provided customers with the UK’s most reliable transport, logistics and freight management services.
We offer domestic, European and worldwide transport of almost any goods, and secure warehouse storage.
Alongside our fleet of domestic and international trucks and trailers, we have the capability to
provide air freight, sea freight, and express vans, and also offer Out of Gauge, project shipping and export packing.
Chambers and Cook Freight Ltd, European House Perrywell Road, Witton, Birmingham B6 7AT
October 2017 CHAMBERLINK 37
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