Lies. Damned Lies and Employment Tribunal Statistics

Posted 21/10/2013

The arrival of Tribunal fees at the end of July was just one of the coalition Government’s initiatives aimed at putting the perceived vexatious claimant employee genie back into his bottle. It took place against the backdrop of a raft of other reforms aimed at reducing the incidence of Employment Tribunal litigation. 

Readers may remember that, unless the proposed claimant qualifies for remission from paying fees, there are now two fees to pay; one on issue of a claim and another fee to have a hearing. This means that a ‘straightforward’ unfair dismissal matter now costs the claimant up to £1,200 for the pleasure of using HM Courts and Tribunals Service.What effect is this having on claims? Well the most recent quarterly statistics are mixed,* covering the period from July to September and it is difficult to make out a particular trend (as many claims may be languishing awaiting processing or decisions on remission), but it looks like there has been sharp decline in single claims in September. Watch this space and look for evidence of employment barristers taking longer lunch hours.

* Read more hereFor individual advice, please contact Ross Strowger on 01603 703086 or email ross.strowger@ashtonslegal.co.uk