April 26, 2011
Some of the UK’s largest business groups have urged the government to review current Employment Tribunal practices and address the ‘failures’ being exacted on workers and employers.
This week, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called for ‘weak’ and spurious claims to be "weeded out", while promoting the idea of early settlements and increased efficiently within the overall system.
"It's always regrettable when the relationship between employer and employee breaks down to the point where a tribunal claim is made,” said the CBI's chief policy director Katja Hall.
“But when this happens, both sides deserve a system that is consistent, quick and keeps legal costs to a minimum. Instead, we are saddled with a tribunal system that is expensive, stressful and time-consuming for all parties.”
According to the CBI, the number of employment claims has increased by 173% since 2005.
"While it's in everyone's interests to have quick and efficient tribunals, the CBI conveniently forgets that bad employers make life hard for staff, not the employment tribunals system,” added TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
"These proposals will strengthen the hand of unscrupulous employers by pricing low-paid workers out of the system. The Government, egged on by business lobbyists, is boosting bad employment practices rather than economic growth."
The CBI is has now submitted calls for reform to the government.
