Enforcing the right

If an employer fails to comply with a worker’s request to be accompanied, s/he can bring a claim in the employment tribunal. A claim can also be brought if the employer fails to rearrange a hearing to a reasonable date proposed by the worker if the companion was unable to attend on the initial date proposed. The tribunal can order compensation of up to two weeks’ pay (subject to the maximum amount of a week’s pay, which is £430 from 1 February 2012).