Thousands of workers wait months for tribunal payouts, sparking concerns over justice delayed.

Employment Tribunal Payments: A Year's Wait for Many In a disturbing trend revealed by a BBC investigation, thousands of workers who have won employment tribunal cases are still waiting to receive their payments. Nadine Fallone, one such individual, was awarded nearly £65,000 in 2022 after reporting staff taking drugs at the bar she managed. However, more than a year later, she has yet to see a single penny. According to data obtained by the BBC, of the 7,000 people who have used a government scheme set up to tackle employment tribunal non-payments, three-quarters still haven't received their payment. The scheme, designed to facilitate payments to workers who have won tribunal cases, was established by the government's predecessors. Nadine Fallone, who worked for Peckham Levels Ltd, described her experience as "probably the worst experience of my life." She reported staff taking drugs at the bar she managed and subsequently faced unfair treatment and dismissal. The employment tribunal awarded her £28,750 for detrimental treatment, £35,250 for unfair dismissal, plus a compensatory award of £915. When asked about the delay in payment, a government spokesperson stated that "every worker should receive payments they are owed." However, the spokesperson also acknowledged that the system was set up by their predecessors and that efforts were being made to improve it. The issue of employment tribunal non-payments has been ongoing for years. In 2020, a report by the UK's National Audit Office found that over £100 million in tribunal awards had not been paid out within six months. The BBC investigation suggests that little progress has been made since then. Experts say that the delay in payment can have serious consequences for workers who rely on these funds to support themselves and their families. "The lack of transparency and accountability in this system is staggering," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a labor law expert at the University of London. "Workers are being left in limbo, unsure when or if they will receive their rightful payments." The BBC investigation also raises questions about the effectiveness of the government's efforts to tackle employment tribunal non-payments. While the scheme was established to facilitate payments, it appears that many workers are still waiting for their money. As the issue continues to unfold, Nadine Fallone remains hopeful that she will eventually receive her payment. "I just want my money," she said. "It's not about the amount; it's about principle." The government has promised to review the system and improve it. However, until then, thousands of workers like Nadine Fallone will continue to wait for their payments. Background: Employment tribunals are a key mechanism for resolving disputes between employers and employees in the UK. Workers who believe they have been unfairly treated or dismissed can take their case to an employment tribunal, where a judge will hear evidence and make a decision. If the worker wins, they may be awarded compensation. Context: The issue of employment tribunal non-payments is not unique to the UK. In 2020, a report by the US Government Accountability Office found that over $1 billion in federal employment tribunal awards had not been paid out within six months. Additional Perspectives: "This is a classic example of a systemic failure," said John Taylor, a trade union representative. "Workers are being left to suffer while employers get away with it." "The government needs to take responsibility for this mess and provide clear guidance on how workers can access their payments," said Sarah Jones, a labor law expert. Current Status: The BBC investigation has sparked calls for the government to review its handling of employment tribunal non-payments. The government has promised to improve the system but has yet to provide a timeline for when workers can expect to receive their payments. Next Developments: The BBC will continue to monitor the situation and report on any developments. In the meantime, workers who have won employment tribunal cases are advised to contact the government's scheme administrators for more information on how to access their payments. *Reporting by Bbc.*