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Employment Tribunal Awards

Today I am announcing publication of the Ministry of Justice's report 'Research into Enforcement of Employment Tribunal Awards in England and Wales', which details the extent of non-payment of employment tribunal awards, and measures that the Government are developing, aimed at improving the enforcement of employment tribunal awards and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) negotiated settlements. The Government have begun discussions with the High Court Enforcement Officers Association to develop a service whereby creditors will be able to commission a high court enforcement officer to enforce their award or settlement as soon as the respondent fails to pay the sum due. The costs of enforcement will be recoverable from the respondent with limited cost liability for the creditor. In addition, the Government have recently increased the level of public information available to individuals through the creation of new leaflets that make the enforcement process clearer and explain the importance of compliance with the award and the consequences of failure to make a payment. Claimants will also benefit from the extension of the customer service general enquiries line, operated by Her Majesty's Court Service, which has been extended to give creditors clear instructions on how and where they can enforce their employment tribunal award or ACAS settlement. The Government are determined to ensure that individuals who are entitled to their employment tribunal awards or ACAS settlements are not denied access to justice by a small minority of unscrupulous individuals or companies who refuse to respect the award or settlement. These changes will ensure that all recipients can pursue the payment of their award or settlement with ease. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies are also available on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.gov.uk.