Mixed response to tribunal reform

The government’s newly-published Employer’s Charter has received a mixed reception, with trade unions particularly concerned about what Unite has dubbed “a charter for bad bosses”.

HR body the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) welcomed most of the proposals and suggested the report could help to eliminate some of the “myths” surrounding employment law.

“We also support plans to give judges greater scope to tackle weak or vexatious cases by increasing the deposit and cost limits they can impose on such claims,” said CIPD employment adviser Mike Emmett.

However, the organisation warned against increasing the minimum period before staff can go to tribunal from one to two years’ service, claiming the move would have little impact on reducing the number of employment hearings.

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Unite general secretary-elect Len McCluskey hit out at the government after the announcement, accusing it of declaring “open season on workers’ rights” and claiming the charter gave employers “a green light to bully and intimidate”.

Posted by Ross George