Check out a tribunalto avoid one for real

Jun 30 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

HELP is at hand for firms to find out how an employment tribunal works - and how they can avoid being taken to one.

The Evening Gazette and its sister paper the Journal have teamed up with Weightman Associates and Dickinson Dees LLP to stage a mock event in November at Ramside Hall near Durham on November 4.

Recession and tough times in recent months will have forced many bosses to review their businesses.

This will inevitably have involved changes to the way people work, and possibly redundancies - an area governed by employment rights.

The mock tribunal will help managers avoid the real thing by demonstrating how to handle discipline and redundancy cases correctly.

Tony Weightman, of Weightman Associates, says it is vital for companies to act correctly to avoid finding themselves before a tribunal - with common sense often absent within the actions of employers who do find themselves in that position.

“Any employer needs to show three main things,” he said.

“The first is that they followed all of the agreed procedures.

“Secondly they acted reasonably in the circumstances.

“Finally the employer had reasonable belief that the action they took was correct and most other employers would do the same in similar circumstances.

“By being aware of your duties and correctly following procedures you should normally be successful in defending your case.”

He added: “You need to prepare correctly and research the issues to ensure you have all the facts.

“By giving the person an opportunity to state their case and consider their points with an open mind, you should be in possession of all the facts.

“It is imperative that you act in an objective manner.

“Emotions only lead to poor decisions that you will regret later. If the facts point a specific direction, follow it through.”

This year’s Mock Employment will identify what to do with cases at work to treat people fairly and correctly.

And should you need to go to a tribunal it will demonstrate how to behave and present your evidence.

It is an opportunity to see how the system operates and identify the correct way to deliver evidence.

Attending this event will boost the confidence of participants. It will also make them aware of the process and protocol.

Previous events have been praised for their practical nature and the opportunity to participate.

At various stages the audience is invited to ask questions of those giving evidence and at the end they can quiz the solicitors about their methods of gaining a true representation of the events at work.

Finally, they can interrogate the chairman about the day’s contents and why he or she reached the decision they did.

Every registered person will receive a bundle of documents prior to the event. This shows what a tribunal requires prior to the case but is also used on the day, so the audience can become familiar with the case before arrival.

The Mock Employment Tribunal takes place on November 4. The cost is £175 + VAT per person. Early booking is recommended.

To book onto this event please email Jennifer Cook jennifer.cook@ncjmedia.co.uk or telephone 0191 204 3310 or alternatively visit www.nebusiness.co.uk/tribunal to download an application form.