Citizens Advice Bureau experts are urging bosses and workers to seek advice over employment contracts in order to cut the number of disputes going to industrial tribunals.

Staff at Banstead's CAB office believe many disputes can be avoided or settled without the need for expensive tribunals and are warning that smaller employers are often the first to fall foul of employment laws.

As a result, many are risking the wrath of tribunals with the power to award thousands of pounds in compensation against them.

According to the CAB in Bolters Lane, they are frequently asked for help by clients who believe they have been unfairly treated or unfairly dismissed and believe the solution to the problem is relatively simple - preventive advice. Despite being contacted regularly by employers anxious to stay within the law, CAB workers say they are still finding that a large percentage of firms are failing to provide staff with the written statements of employment terms and conditions that they are entitled to under the law.

In most cases this is not deliberate flouting of the law but ignorance on the part of firms that are unwittingly failing to follow proper procedures simply because they are unsure of their legal obligations.

"The CAB advice is available to employers as well as employees," said a spokesman. "If advice is sought before a problem arises, a great deal of trouble and expense can be avoided by all parties.

For more information contact Banstead's CAB on 01737 360632. Alternatively contact the CAB offices at Sutton or Epsom.

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