Call for overhaul of employment tribunals as claims soar

Employment lawyers are calling for an overhaul of employment tribunal procedure and administration against the backcloth of a rising tide of claims from disgruntled employees.

A recent survey by the ELA (Employment Lawyers Association) identifies key areas of concern and makes several proposals for reforms to help improve efficiency.

There has been a massive hike in the number of claims accepted by employment tribunals in the past year. The 56% rise reported this month (July) by the Tribunal Services for 2009-10, is the highest ever level involving 236,100 claims, up from 151,000.

The soaring claims rate provides the backdrop to mounting concern among employment lawyers throughout the UK about the consistency of approach, efficiency and quality of tribunal services.

According to the survey, 56% of respondents had experienced a decline in service received from Employment Tribunals, 83% said the approach around the country was not consistent and 93-94% believed users would benefit from greater consistency from the tribunals and judiciary in approach, practice and procedure.

Said Joanne Owers, Chair of ELA, who chaired ELA’s working party on the tribunals service: “The dramatic escalation in claims has put employment tribunals and the tribunals service under considerable pressure. It is understandable that cracks are appearing in the system.

“In addition to highlighting the problem areas commonly encountered by users, ELA members have indicated very strong support for practical changes and improvements which they believe will complement the work being carried out to improve the service and deliver significant benefit to the employees and employers who use it.”

In a free podcast Jayn Bond, Head of HR at Workplace Law, discusses the rise in tribunal hearings, describes what kinds of cases can go to tribunal, what the potential costs are and how the process works.