Anyone looking to make a successful employment tribunal claim needs to be well prepared or face costly delays and the rejection of their claim, urges leading employment law and unfair dismissal.
Figures show that claims for unfair dismissal have risen by 173 percent since 2005, resulting in a massive backlog of claims awaiting tribunal. And with unemployment at record highs and the economic outlook causing many businesses to consider redundancy and reducing head counts to save money, employment tribunal claims will undoubtedly rise in the months ahead. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) recently submitted to the Government a consultation report on Resolving Workplace Disputes, calling for a package of measures to speed up the tribunal system.
The CBI report suggested action is needed to weed out weak claims and create the capacity to hear valid claims more quickly. They also claim that costs on both sides ought to be reduced and the system should be reformed to be fairer and that a proportionate fee should be charged per claim so only reasonable claims are brought forward. These fees would be proportionate and refundable on success. Commenting on the likely increase in industrial tribunals in the future and the CBI plans, Caroline Harper from Your Employment Matters says;
“The authorities are constantly trying to reduce the amount of tribunal claims – with little success. That was the reasoning behind the introduction of three step disciplinary and grievance procedures, with automatic unfair dismissals for not following procedures. But then everyone quickly realised that it actually increased admin and claims! “What is certain is that tribunals have already started coming down harder on weak claims and will list many more pre hearing reviews, ordering deposits if claimants want to go ahead and continue with their claims. What this means is that preparation is key in order to make a successful claim and we urge anyone who feels they have a genuine grievance and a justified claim for unfair dismissal to seek professional advice on how best to make an unfair dismissal claim.”
“Experts can help in a number of ways. For example, although it is no longer essential to submit a grievance letter before taking legal action against your employer, you may be penalised at an Employment Tribunal if you have not tried to resolve your complaint internally via the grievance procedure first. Experts can help you through a successful employment tribunal to ensure that you get the compensation and the outcome your case deserves.” Covering everything from grievance letters to appeal hearings, as well as offering anyone who believes they may have suffered discrimination in the workplace for issues including: maternity and pregnancy; racial discrimination; sexual orientation and bullying, Your Employment Matters offers a genuine no win no fee service for unfair dismissal and employment issues.
