Tribunal Claims have reduced dramatically since the introduction of Tribunal fees. Personnel Today report that 79% fewer claims were filed in the period October to December 2013 compared with the same time the year before. Many employers will of course see this as a positive thing.There are some concerns that genuine claims are now not being filed as people cannot afford the fees and there is an argument that this may prove discriminatory as those in part time or lower paid work, predominantly women and people with a disability, may be most affected.The early conciliation scheme comes into effect next month and experts are questioning whether employers will see the need to engage in this if the risk of a tribunal claim being filed has decreased so significantly.
We suggest that employers don’t get complacent though as genuine tribunal cases are of course still being heard, and are now being heard much more promptly.
Our advice is really very simple – continue to treat your employees fairly and comply with the relevant legislation to avoid putting your business at risk!