WARWICKSHIRE, UK, June 11, 2026 – Small businesses are being encouraged to take a proactive approach to HR compliance as employment tribunal cases reach significant levels across the UK. Industry experts say that growing legal obligations and limited internal resources are increasing the risk of workplace disputes.
Louise Lithgow-Dicker, who founded GO HR, says many employers are unaware of how exposed they may be when handling employee issues without specialist support.
“There is currently a tribunal time bomb ticking under many small businesses,” she said.
“Business owners aren’t trying to get it wrong. They’re making mistakes because they simply don’t understand employment law.”
There are now around 523,000 open employment tribunal cases nationwide, with the total continuing to rise. Businesses employing fewer than 50 people are involved in around 71% of those claims.
Recent employment law updates have expanded employer responsibilities, including new rights available from the first day of employment. These developments have added further pressure for organisations attempting to remain compliant.
Smaller companies often operate without dedicated HR teams, leaving managers responsible for handling employment matters themselves. Even relatively simple concerns involving contracts, pay, or annual leave can become more serious if not addressed correctly.
GO HR has spent more than a decade helping businesses strengthen their HR practices through outsourced support services. Its work focuses on ensuring policies, procedures, and documentation are fit for purpose and legally compliant.
“The fear of a tribunal makes people focus on the end result instead of what they can fix right now,” Louise said.
Many disputes that eventually reach a tribunal begin as manageable workplace concerns. Delays in addressing issues or misunderstandings between employers and employees often contribute to escalation.
According to Louise, many growing businesses create accidental employers, individuals who find themselves responsible for employment law despite having little formal knowledge of the subject.
The Fair Work Agency is set to play a larger role in workplace enforcement, with powers to investigate employers and pursue claims where necessary.
GO HR aims to help organisations reduce exposure to legal disputes by creating clear HR structures and supporting effective employee management practices.
“Employment law isn’t there to scare businesses, it’s there to make sure people are treated properly,” Louise said.
Demand for professional HR support is expected to remain strong as employers adapt to ongoing changes in workplace regulation.
GO HR believes businesses that establish strong HR foundations early are better positioned to manage future challenges while maintaining compliant and productive workplaces.
