‘HOUSTON, we have a problem.’ The celebrated words from ‘Apollo 13’ have provided a good example for lawyer Vicky Milner to explain the importance of communication in the workplace.

Speaking at a Jersey Chamber of Commerce Employment Law seminar, which discussed how to minimise the risk of employment tribunal claims, Miss Milner said: ‘In the case of Apollo 13, the problem was raised, analysed and fixed.

‘The first tribunal in Jersey was held in October 2005, and in June there had been 101 reported decisions. Communication seems to be at the forefront of the problems they’re handling. Jersey is quite litigious in comparison with Guernsey, for example, as in 2007 per head of working population Jersey had double the number of cases that Guernsey did.’

Employment tribunals can be a damaging and costly experience, with unfair dismissal claims potentially warranting compensation of up to 26 weeks pay, she explained. Breach of contract claims can be awarded up to £10,000 compensation. However, by ensuring that policies are in place and followed, the risk of an employment tribunal can be reduced.