Press Release

Problem at Work? Ask a solicitor

17 June 2008

According to Government statistics stress costs the UK economy approximately £13.5 billion each year through lost productivity and increased illness at work. And it's estimated that 70% of visits to the doctors and 85% of serious illness is triggered or made worse by stress.

Stress can often be caused by problems at work. Each year an average 100,000 people in England and Wales lodge a claim before an employment tribunal on the grounds that they have been unfairly treated or unfairly dismissed by their employer.

But despite problems at work being relatively common, few people have a clear idea of all their rights at work, as employment law can be very complicated. Anyone who thinks they have been unfairly treated by their employer should take legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

A solicitor who deals with employment law will be able to help find the best solution to the work-related problem. Andrew Holroyd, Law Society President, advises:

“Employees should always try their company’s own grievance procedure first because matters can often be sorted out quickly this way. Also, an employment tribunal may refuse to hear a case or reduce the compensation awarded if the employee hasn’t tried to sort the matter out internally before taking the case to them. Ideally, employees should consult a solicitor before using internal procedures, as they will be able to help them set out the case or negotiate a settlement. Even if a person feels able to carry out the negotiations with the employer directly, a solicitor can offer useful advice on how best to do this."

“Anyone making a grievance should make sure they’re taking action for the right reasons, not simply seeking vengeance. Employees should also consider what’s best for them in the wider picture of their career and reputation."

Anyone wanting to take a complaint to an employment tribunal must normally do this within three months of the date of the events they are complaining about. However, this deadline may be extended in special circumstances. If the claim is about redundancy payments, an individual has six months to take it to the tribunal.

Mr Holroyd says: “The longer you leave a problem, the harder it is to solve – visit a solicitor as soon as you recognise there is a problem that is affecting you and the enjoyment of your job”.