Hospitality staff are among the most likely to consider making employment tribunal claims, according to the new chairman of conciliation service Acas.

Ed Sweeney said high staff turnover, low levels of union representation and a lack of procedure or good HR practice were often found in hospitality, retail and construction, giving staff reason to call the Acas helpline for advice,

"Many employers [in these sectors] know little about what is good practice, especially the small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality and hairdressing, employing fewer than 10 people," Sweeney told Caterer sister title Personnel Today.

Heike Becker, personnel manager at Hyatt Regency London, believes claims may stem from the tough working hours associated with working in hospitality.

"The long and unsociable hours make the hotel industry a tough working area. It's a hard job sometimes - maybe that is one of the reasons that leads to tribunals," she said.

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By Daniel Thomas

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