The Tribunals Service has published its Annual Statistics Report, which shows a substantial increase in the number of claims lodged in the Employment Tribunals in 2009-10.
Professional Support Lawyer Elizabeth Stevens reports.
According to the Report, the number of claims lodged with the Employment Tribunals was 236,100 in 2009-10, representing an increase of 56% on 2008-9. The Report explains this increase as largely resulting from a rise in multiple claims (those brought by two or more people), of almost 90%. However there was also an increase of 14% in single claims over the year, which appears to reflect the economic climate.
The number of claims associated with unfair dismissal, breach of contract and redundancy rose by 17%, most likely as a result of the recession. There were increases in the number of claims in respect of all forms of discrimination, other than sex discrimination. Age discrimination claims increased by the largest percentage (37%).
The number of claims disposed of (withdrawn, settled, dismissed or decided) by the Employment Tribunals rose by 22%, but as this has not kept pace with the number of claims received, the outstanding caseload has increased by almost 40%. The number of claims heard within the target time of 26 weeks fell from 74% to 65%.
Comment
These figures look alarming, but are clearly distorted by the number of multiple claims. For example, the number of Working Time cases is inflated due to a group of 10,600 airline employees whose Working Time claims are resubmitted every three months. The volume of outstanding claims will not come as a great surprise to anyone who has had recent dealings with the Employment Tribunals, where in many regions cases are taking much longer to be listed for hearing.
For further information on Tribunal claims or on any issues arising in the workplace, please contact Elizabeth Stevens on estevens@steeleslaw.co.uk or 01603 598000.