Croner Launches Exclusive New Tribunal Service For BRC Members
Deal opens up access to all retailers to expert knowledge at preferential rates
February 23, 2007. Retailers can take advantage of a new service that offers improved access to specialist employment tribunal expertise following a partnership between the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and leading UK business services adviser Croner.
Croner’s tailor tailored service, which is being offered at preferential rates, will help BRC members of all sizes protect their business from the risk of employment tribunals at a specially discounted rate.
Under the deal, experts from Croner will be able to to handle the complex processes and procedures associated with tribunals and offer bespoke solutions to meet the needs of BRC members’ needs regardless of their size or existing resources– whether it is handling the entire case or providing specialist support to augment existing in-house resources, whether it’s a small retailer that needs an entire case handling, or a larger organisation that requires specialist support to complement their in-house team. With support from Croner they will be able to fight an employment tribunal case cost effectively to secure their businesses’ long-term health.
There are over 70 types of claims that an employee can make to an employment tribunal, ranging from sex discrimination to unfair dismissal. And, with the numbers of registered employment tribunal claims increasing by over 33% in 2005/06, retail businesses should be doing all they can to protect their business.
According to the BRC, most retailers will be faced with an employment tribunal at some time during their business lifecycle and will need expert advice to defend themselves at these times.
Croner’s comprehensive employment tribunal support and advice service offers complete peace-of-mind for retailers of all sizes.
It covers the preparation of documentation, liaising with witnesses and ACAS/LRA, negotiating settlements and representation throughout the case, including at the hearing, among a host of beneficial advice.
Stephen Boobyer, commercial director for the BRC, said the new Croner service "adds real value to its membership package and is a far more cost-effective solution than those offered by most solicitors."
He believes that Croner’s advice and support will have wide appeal and will be a welcome benefit to the thousands of retailers who struggle annually with the stress and worry of a tribunal.
“We are constantly looking at new ways to improve our member services,” adds Stephen Boobyer. “So we are particularly excited about this new initiative with Croner because they are acknowledged leaders in the area of employment advice services.
“Affordable access to top quality support and advice will appeal to all our members, many of who do not have the requisite resources available to fight a tribunal effectively or the knowledge that will help to protect both their reputation and pocket.
“This service provides peace-of-mind and reassurance for worried employers and we will be strongly recommending it to all of our members.”
Richard Smith, employment services director at Croner, said: “The BRC is the voice of the UK retail sector, so we are pleased that it will be offering our employment tribunal support and advice package as part of their member services.
“Unfortunately it is a fact in today’s litigious society that retailers will be faced with an employment tribunal at some point in time. They can have a devastating impact no matter how big they are in terms of time, money, reputation and cost and we urge employers to plan for such an event.
“Our experts will be able to provide the latest advice and counsel BRC members on what to do and how to cope in such an event; looking after a case while an employer is left free to concentrate on running their business.”
Croner’s team of regional consultants ensure that it can represent a clients’ interests nationwide, delivering a consistent standard wherever the tribunals occur. Internal training provided to the company’s consultants is accredited by the Law Society.
Details of Croner’s specialist employment tribunal support and advice are available from nigel.scott@brc.org.uk (020 7854 8990) or Croner on 0845 450 1306 or brc@croner.co.uk