Non-payers of tribunal awards to go on debt register
With the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines (Amendment) Regulations 2009 taking effect on 1 April 2009, people who fail to pay awards made by employment tribunals will be publicly named and shamed as the Government clamps down hard on employers who disregard tribunal rulings.
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 of Judgments, which can be searched by members of the public and all the UK’s credit reference agencies.
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 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 particularly unacceptable following an Employment Tribunal. I want to warn non-payers to do so immediately to avoid the penalties that can arise.”
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