NON-PAYMENT OF EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL AWARDS

Early day motion 1177, tabled 1 December 2005 by Gordon Banks (Labour). Signed by 54 members.

That this House notes that, despite being successful in winning a case in an employment tribunal, employees often find it difficult to ensure that tribunal awards are paid by the employer; further notes that awards involving overseas-based companies often lead to additional difficulties; supports the conclusion of the Citizens' Advice report Hollow Victories that a state-led enforcement regime would greatly benefit individual claimants and strengthen public confidence in the employment tribunal system; and calls for the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry to undertake a joint review of enforcement mechanisms for employment tribunal awards and to consider establishing an automatic process for payments and payment enforcement that does not require employees themselves to instigate individual legal action.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, DUP 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.