Losing a job is a shock but legal steps can be taken when this has been unfair or illegally done and an Employment Tribunal has the power to grant compensation. However until now people have been left frustrated and out of pocket when Employment Tribunal Awards has not been paid when a bad employer has refused to pay up. The Ministry of Justice research found that 39% of people granted awards have not been paid, and only 53% have been paid in full.

Until now there was not much that could be done to get hold of this money and see justice done. The Government have agreed that this must be challenged and the Ministry of Justice has announced that High Court Enforcement Officers are to take on recovery of awards granted by employment tribunals or in out-of-court settlements. Previously, those who had won their case and had been made a financial award by an Employment Tribunal had to enforce payment themselves through the courts and at their own expense.

John Mann has welcomed this progress saying "In recent months I have been assisting a growing number of people who are taking their case to an Employment Tribunal. Its not an easy process but it means justice for those who have been exploited by unscrupulous employers. This much needed change makes the whole effort worthwhile as there is now no escape from paying out financial awards".

29th June 2009