Tribunal awards: defaulters' names to be put on public debt register
01 April 2009
People who fail to pay awards made by employment tribunals will be publicly named and shamed from today, as the government clamps down hard on employers who disregard tribunal rulings.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said offending individuals or companies who have been taken to court to enforce the award will now be entered onto the Register of Judgments, which can be searched by members of the public and credit reference agencies.
The measure has been taken to give weight to future tribunal rulings, helping to cut down the time people have to wait to receive payments they are entitled to, and to help reduce incidences of non-payment.
Bridget Prentice said:
'This is good news for people who want to get their awards settled as soon as possible following their tribunal ruling.
'A few unscrupulous individuals are defying or delaying payment after tribunal rulings and we will not hesitate to name and shame them. Delays like this prolong the ordeal and force successful claimants to continue with court action to recover their money. This is particular unacceptable following an Employment Tribunal.
'I want to warn those not paying that they should do so immediately to avoid the penalties that go with non-payment.'
Notes to editors
- The government has amended the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations (2005) to make provision for the inclusion of awards from First Tier, Upper, Employment and Employment Appeals Tribunals in the Register.
- The government's action was prompted by concerns expressed by the public, and agencies that represent working people, like the TUC and the citizens advice bureau.
- The register is available to banks, building societies and credit companies when considering applications for credit. Inclusion of tribunal decisions in the register could make it more difficult for debtors to obtain credit.
- The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines is currently maintained and operated by Registry Trust Ltd.
- For further information please contact the Ministry of Justice Press Office on 020 3334 3536.
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