Shropshire firms could be leaving themselves open to costly claims
The “vast majority” of Shropshire firms are leaving themselves open to costly claims from employees as a result of inadequate contracts of employment, weak policy and unsuitable terms and conditions, a county employment expert warned today.
In order to redress the balance, Shrewsbury firm Bennett’s Legal will be marking their second anniversary by inviting county businesses to take advantage of a free business law review, saving £250.
Paul Bennett, who founded Bennett’s Legal, said common mistakes and oversights were costing businesses big money.
He explained: “The law moves quickly but the vast majority of companies do not, leaving themselves open to all manner of claims from disgruntled members of staff.
“The economic climate is still treacherous and businesses are having to make some difficult decisions when it comes to the hiring and firing of staff, but this is made all the more problematic because of a widespread failure to draw up contracts of employment, official policy and suitable terms and conditions.
“The average award for unfair dismissal is £9,000 and discrimination cases are around £15,000 so it can be a costly mistake to make if you leave yourself open to such claims.”
Similar mistakes are made when confronting retirement. Under new legislation, employers are prohibited from forcing staff into retirement at 65 unless there is a justification.
Mr Bennett added: “There are lots of grey areas surrounding the handling of these new laws so if companies want to make sure they don’t fall foul of them they should get in touch.
“We celebrated our second anniversary on June 1 so we’ll be offering this review free of charge to mark the event.”
