● EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL CASES RISE
The number of employment tribunal cases rocketed by more than 50% last year as employees fought back against recession cutbacks, official figures have revealed.
In the 12 months ending 31 March 2010, 236,100 workers brought claims to tribunal - up 56% from 151,000 in the previous year, the Tribunals Service said.
The courts granted an estimated £1b in payouts to those who claimed they had been wrongly dismissed or suffered discrimination. The biggest payout was £729,347 in a disability discrimination case. The largest award for sex discrimination was £442,366, the most successful race discrimination claimant won £374,922 and the biggest age discrimination award was £48,710.
"There is no doubt that economic conditions have contributed to an increase in the number of cases received," said Kevin Sadler, chief executive of the Tribunals Service.
● WETHERSPOON CREATES 1,000 JOBS
Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to create 1,000 new jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds in the next 12 months. The jobs are aimed at school-leavers who are entering the job market for the first time.
School-leavers will be offered positions working front-of-house serving customers, as well as in the pubs' kitchens.
The new employees will be offered the opportunity to study for NVQ qualifications, with the option of completing a professional diploma and honours degree if they progress to a management position.
Wetherspoon's head of personnel and training, Mandy Ferries, said: "We believe that many school-leavers will welcome the opportunity to work for Wetherspoon. We can offer them the chance to study as part of their work as well as progress within the company."
In July, the pub operator reported a rise in sales ahead of the end of its financial year.