Employment tribunal shake up
Employment tribunal changes came into effect on Friday 6th April that the Government claims will make it easier for businesses to take on staff, and improve the process when staff have to be let go.
The Government has streamlined employment tribunals to cut unnecessary demands on employers and encourage growth, while safeguarding workers’ rights.
From 6th April:
- The qualifying period for claiming unfair dismissal will rise from one to two years.
- Judges will be able to sit alone in unfair dismissal cases.
- Witness statements can be provided in writing as opposed to the current rules where a witness reads their own statement out aloud.
- The maximum level for costs awarded to businesses winning a vexatious tribunal claim will rise from £10,000 to £20,000. Deposit orders required by claimants when a judge determines that a part of claim is unmerited will increase from £500 to £1,000.