Employers and staff let down by tribunals

Employment tribunals are not working for employers or their staff, according to research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The Ministry of Justice cites employment tribunals as a way for scorned employees to object to perceived discrimination, unfair dismissal by their bosses and issues relating to redundancy payments.

However, the CBI warns that the current system fails to meet the needs of either side, with “antagonistic” procedures and an overly legalistic and slow approach.

According to the CBI, three measures could help to overcome this, beginning with action to prevent “weak claims” from being pursued.

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Introducing regional league tables for judges could help to provide some accountability for a system that is currently only assessed at national level.

Meanwhile, simplifying the process of settling out of court, to bring disputes to an early but satisfactory end, is also recommended.

“It’s in everyone’s interests for cases with merit to be heard quickly and settled, while weak claims are swiftly identified and weeded out,” says CBI chief policy director Katja Hall.