Small businesses should ensure that they are fully aware of all workplace legislation to ensure that they are not accused of discrimination.

Failing to understand issues such as maternity leave and equal pay can have a devastating effect on SMEs with a limited number of staff, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Belinda Webb, a spokesperson for the FSB, claims that "there have been so many cases where women have been discriminated against" in the workplace and suggests that smaller firms contact the CAB, local law firms, Acas and other parties to ensure they have adequate policies in place.

According to Ms Webb, discrimination issues can be "tricky ground" for small firms and there are "so many avenues to go down" when companies are seeking help or advice on employment issues.

"With a bigger company, they have their set procedures in place," she explained. "They may have a legal department, whereas many small companies don't. There have been so many cases where women have been discriminated against."

Figures published by the Employment Tribunal Service in June this year showed that the total number of claims brought to tribunals soared by 15 per cent over the year to the end of March 2007 to 132,577.

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