Pictured above: Mark Ridley
Employers are being offered piece of mind by a new scheme which
could potentially save them tens of thousands of pounds.
The number of legal disputes surrounding employment law has been
rising in recent years with claims increasing by 56 per cent in
2010. This led Coventry law firm Band Hatton to launch its
Employment Protection Scheme.
The scheme is aimed at businesses ranging from SMEs to large
national organisations which will help employers avoid damaging law
suits and costly legal fees.
It gives employers access to expert legal advice in relation to
employment law matters for a set annual fee which can be paid
monthly. The bespoke scheme is catered for the needs of individual
organisations and allows companies to accurately budget for
employment law matters 12 months ahead.
Mark Ridley, associate at Station Square-based Band Hatton, said
a rising number of employment tribunals and employment law cases
had left many businesses with hefty legal costs they had not
budgeted for.
"As the number of employment law disputes increases a larger
number of businesses become susceptible to legal costs and awards
of compensation which catch many off guard," he said.
"Damages for discrimination cases are not capped so employers
could be looking at bills for tens of thousands of pounds in
addition to substantial legal fees and court costs - the
consequences of which can be catastrophic.
"The Employment Protection Scheme eliminates this fear for
employers as they can forecast exactly how much they need to budget
for matters of employment law 12 months in advance.
"The scheme also allows employers to avoid any potential legal
problems by being given expert advice from qualified solicitors on
demand."
Those signing up to the scheme will first undergo an audit to
assess the health of an employer's current policies and practices.
They will then be given access to expert advice and ongoing support
with direct access to unlimited advice by qualified employment law
solicitors.
Employers also have the option of signing up to an insurance
scheme which will cover awards of compensation they may encounter
as a result of employment-related legal disputes.
For more information on the Employment Protection Scheme contact
Mark Ridley at Band Hatton on 02476 632121.