The Employment Tribunal Service have this week released their official statistics for 2010, detailing the number and nature of employee grievance cases reported this year. The important figures for employers, however, will be the amounts paid out in compensation to employees in 2010.
According to the figures, there has been a 56 per cent rise in the number of successful tribunal cases this year. This massive increase, especially in the number of discrimination claims, means it is more important than ever for businesses to consider getting commercial legal expenses cover or another type of professional insurance.
2010 discrimination claims
• Disability discrimination – The average payout for this type of complaint was £52,087, whilst the largest award was £729,347. 3% of claims were successful at tribunal.
• Sexual orientation discrimination – The average award was £20,384, the biggest payout being £163,725. 6% of claims brought before a tribunal were successful.
• Sex discrimination – The largest compensation payout this year was £422,366, although the average award was £19,499. 2% of claims were successful at tribunal.
• Racial discrimination – The average award was £18,584, whilst the largest payment was £374,922. 3% of claims were successful at tribunal.
• Age discrimination – The average payout was £10,931, whilst the maximum award was £48,710. 2% of claims were successful.