Pictured above: Elizabeth Fripp

The number of claims being brought against employers is at its highest for ten years - new statistics from the Ministry of Justice have shown. The 2009-2010 statistics show a 56% increase in the number of claims making it to hearing, 14% of which are standalone cases.

Elizabeth Fripp, senior employment law solicitor from Coventry and Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley, believes it is indicative of the weak jobs market and warns employers of the increased risks.

Ms Fripp said: "an increasing number of people have lost their jobs during the recession and there is a higher percentage of people who face being out of work for a prolonged period of time. 

"The legal system works by offering compensation for unfair dismissal based on the dismissed employee's loss of earnings and this goes up when they are out of employment for a long time. This means that the cost to employers of getting it wrong can be much higher during times of high unemployment. It also becomes much more worthwhile for employees to enforce their rights."

Since the start of the downturn, the employment department at Alsters Kelley has grown from one to four legal advisers to cope with the increasing number of employment tribunal claims.

Ms Fripp continued: "the recession has been hard on everyone but it's important that employers don't rush to let go of staff or cut corners in an attempt to cut costs. Failing to follow the right procedures when bringing employment to an end or failing to get to grips with equal opportunities and discrimination law often ends up costing dearly."

For more information about Alsters Kelley, please visit their website here: www.alsters.com