'I won £65,000 at an employment tribunal – but I haven't seen a penny'

'I won £65,000 at an employment tribunal – but I haven't seen a penny'

Katia Pirnak received almost £65,000 in compensation from an employment tribunal following mistreatment and dismissal after reporting drug use among staff at the bar where she was in charge. Despite utilizing a government program aimed at addressing non-payment of tribunal awards, she has yet to receive any of the money. Sadly, this situation is not unique, as data from a BBC investigation suggests that approximately 75% of the 7,000 individuals who have utilized this scheme have not been compensated.

Nadine Fallone expressed to the BBC that taking her employer, Peckham Levels Ltd, to a tribunal was an agonizing experience. Even though both sides attempted to settle, the case proceeded to a full hearing which resulted in Nadine being granted £28,750 for detrimental treatment, £35,250 for unfair dismissal, and an additional compensatory award of £915. However, following the collapse of Peckham Levels Ltd into administration, Nadine is unable to claim her award.

The Employment Tribunal Penalty Enforcement and Naming Scheme, introduced by the Conservative government in 2016, was designed to address the issue of non-payment of tribunal awards. Despite the scheme’s intentions, data from a Freedom of Information request indicates that out of the roughly 7,000 individuals who have participated, over 5,000 have not received their payments or settlements. It is concerning that even with more than 4,800 penalties amounting to over £9 million being issued, only 109 have been recorded as paid.

Rosie Davies was another individual who found herself in a similar predicament after being awarded £6,000 for unpaid wages and breach of contract following her termination from a motorsports job. Despite utilizing both the government scheme and pursuing the High Court, she has yet to receive her compensation from her former employer, Christian Elvidge of Motorflix Ltd. Rosie’s story highlights the failings of the system in ensuring that tribunal awards are rightfully paid to those who have been wronged

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