Clause 22 - Employment tribunals
Employment Bill
10:30 am
Mr Norman Lamb (North Norfolk, Liberal Democrat)
I should declare that I am a member of the Law Society and a consultant to a law firm, although a somewhat non-active consultant.
I question the hon. Gentleman's assertion that the penalty is non-financial. Clearly, it could apply to both paid and unpaid representatives, and it could have a substantial financial impact. I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman probably does not like the Human Rights Act 1998, but I wonder whether he has considered the implications of the amendment for the individual's right to work. In that context, what rights of appeal or challenge to a banning order would a representative have? Such an order is like a sin bin or red card, and would prevent someone from working for some time. I cannot see any provision for that in the amendment.