EEF SOUTH, the regional engineering employers' association, has notched up another successful year representing its member companies at employment tribunal.

The organisation's performance in cases that proceeded to tribunal was also better than the national average.

Last year the EEF South legal team had a 92 per cent success rate in all cases disposed of, with just eight per cent won by the claimant.

In addition, in claims that proceeded to a hearing, 74 per cent were found in favour of respondents represented by EEF South, compared with the national average of 55 per cent.

In total last year, 197,365 claims were registered by employment tribunals, of which 39,659 proceeded to a hearing.

Simon Pender, head of EEF South's legal and employment affairs unit, said: "It is clear that there is now a greater awareness on the part of employers of the need to follow proper procedures, largely as a result of awareness campaigns and expert advice and guidance offered by organisations such as EEF South."

In 38 per cent of unfair dismissal claims, less than £5,500 was awarded and in 23 per cent of unfair dismissal claims where awards were made, £3,000 or less was awarded.

In 45 per cent of discrimination claims less than £5,500 was awarded by the tribunal and in 18 per cent of discrimination claims where awards were made, £3,000 or less was awarded.

At the top end, the figures show that in 18 per cent of successful unfair dismissal claims and 27 per cent of discrimination claims, more than £20,000 was awarded by the tribunal.