SMEs can protect themselves against the possibility of employment tribunals by ensuring that they have the correct managerial processes in place, one industry body says.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) says its research indicates that SMEs are experiencing "increasing problems with tribunal claims and threats of being taken to employment tribunals".
Philip Moody, the FPB's senior member services representative added: "Many business owners struggle to balance running their businesses with the correct implementation of employment rules and regulations."
Figures released by the FPB reveal that 30 per cent of all calls to the body's legal help line in December related to employee conduct and discipline.
The issue is the biggest concern for SME owners making contact with the forum, it said.
Earlier this week the Confederation of British Industry warned that SMEs found employment tribunals tougher than larger firms.
It said that the lack of a dedicated human resources department was a major disadvantage for SMEs.
