ALP SAYS BROKERS HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY WITH THE NEW EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL CHANGES

Allianz Legal Protection (ALP) says brokers can help both their personal and commercial customers by alerting them to the new employment tribunal regulations which come into force today.

Changes to the law will mean that an employee with a complaint against their employer, will have to pay fees for most claims of over £1,000 if they wish to take their case to an employment tribunal.

Whilst this could be a positive step towards reducing spurious claims, research from Allianz Legal Protection suggests there is a significant lack of awareness about the changes on both sides of the employment divide. For example:

·  78% of employees are not aware these changes are taking place.

·  67% of employees said the new fees system  will put them off progressing any complaint they may have against their employer

·  54% of employers said they are not aware of the changes

·  25% of employers aren’t sure about the impact the new fees will have on their business as they don’t know enough about them.

Ed Jones, senior legal advisor at Allianz Insurance, says brokers can provide a very useful ‘heads up’ to both household insurance policyholders and to their commercial customers. He said:

“The new tribunal fee arrangements provide an excellent opportunity for brokers to emphasise the value of household legal expenses insurance to their customers. “

He added:

"With our research highlighting a lack of awareness amongst employers, it would seem there is a significant proportion of commercial policyholders in need of a helpful alert that they need to get to grips with these changes.”

For further information, please visit the Allianz Insurance Legal Protection website: http://www.allianzlegalprotection.co.uk/

 ENDS