February 04, 2011
Plans to overhaul the way in which workplace disputes are resolved have been announced by the Government, alongside the introduction of an ‘Employers’ Charter’ to remind businesses of their obligations and rights.
Since taking power, the Government has made clear its intentions to review current employment legislation. Its latest consultation outlines a number of ways in which the workplace disputes system could be changed, with the main goals being to reduce the number of tribunal claims and to speed up claims that do arise.
The Ministry of Justice will launch a separate consultation into the issue of introducing fees for bringing tribunal cases and appeals, "to ensure that users contribute towards the running of the system," according to the Government.
The key objectives of the Government’s proposals are:
- To give businesses greater confidence to hire new staff by increasing the qualifying period for employees to be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal from one to two years;
- Encourage parties to resolve disputes between themselves as early as possible;
- Speed up the tribunal process; and
- Tackle weak and vexatious claims.
John Cridland, CBI Director General Designate, has welcomed the Government’s call for action, claiming: "For far too long the tribunals system has put the interests of lawyers above those of employers and employees. Given that 2010 saw a 56% rise in tribunal claims, the Government must look at ways of strengthening the process.
"It is in everyone's interests that disputes are resolved swiftly and fairly. Introducing an element of charging would help weed out weak and vexatious claims, clearing the way for more deserving cases to be heard.”
