Barbers could face a rise in employment cases

The NHF has warned that barbershop owners can expect to see a rise in employment cases against them, following a Supreme Court ruling that employment tribunal fees are unlawful.

Following the ruling on July 26th, The Ministry of Justice said it was taking “immediate steps” to stop fees being charged. Advice to barbershops include ensuring you have a proper contract of employment and a staff handbook, and to take advice on HR issues, from organisations such as the NHF.

The feels were introduced in 2013 to transfer the cost of the tribunal system from taxpayers to those who use the service, to deter people from making unworthy claims, and to promote earlier settlement of disputes. It has been reported that the result was a dramatic fall in the number of cases being brought before Employment Tribunals. The Court held that the government was acting unlawfully under both UK and EU law, with the fees having the effect of preventing access to justice.

Thousands of individuals who have paid to take employers to tribunal since the fees were introduced in 2013, are set to receive refunds costing the government more than £27 million.

www.nhf.info