Menu
30/09/2005
CBI report says employment tribunal system reforms fall short
A report from the CBI has found that despite reforms to the employment tribunal system, businesses are "losing confidence" as the system was falling short
The employers' organisation says companies are concerned about the complexity of the new procedures even though the number of tribunal cases had fallen since reforms were introduced.
While the system is supposed to provide cheap and effective resolution of workplace disputes, the CBI reported that many firms were settling cases they have a strong chance of winning because they fear the costs of going to tribunals.
CBI Deputy Director-General John Cridland said: "The new tribunals procedures are falling short. They may be having an impact on absolute numbers but are unnecessarily complicated and run the risk of undermining business confidence. The number one priority for any review must be making the regulations more user-friendly."
Calling for a more consistent, common sense approach, Mr Cridland said claims should be judged on merit, "allowing deserving ones to be heard while striking out unscrupulous ones."
One year on from the reform of the system, the CBI report 'Restoring Faith In Employment Tribunals' found:
The CBI said it believed changes to both the operation of the employment tribunal system and the statutory dispute resolution procedures were necessary to restore employer confidence in the system. Recommendations included requiring claimants to make it clear in writing they are lodging a grievance and a review of the redundancy procedures.
Commenting on the survey, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said employment tribunals were an "important last resort in resolving workplace disputes." and access to them should not be limited to those who can afford to pay.
"CBI proposals to introduce charges on individual's bringing claims and increase cost awards to employees would limit access to justice for genuine claimants and disadvantage lower paid workers," he said.
He denied that the tribunal system was clogged up with vexatious claims, and that while dispute resolution legislation was complicated, government planned a review in two years.
"The CBI should not pre-empt the outcomes of this review before in-depth research has been conducted on how the procedures are operating in practice," said Mr Barber.
(SP/KMcA)
The employers' organisation says companies are concerned about the complexity of the new procedures even though the number of tribunal cases had fallen since reforms were introduced.
While the system is supposed to provide cheap and effective resolution of workplace disputes, the CBI reported that many firms were settling cases they have a strong chance of winning because they fear the costs of going to tribunals.
CBI Deputy Director-General John Cridland said: "The new tribunals procedures are falling short. They may be having an impact on absolute numbers but are unnecessarily complicated and run the risk of undermining business confidence. The number one priority for any review must be making the regulations more user-friendly."
Calling for a more consistent, common sense approach, Mr Cridland said claims should be judged on merit, "allowing deserving ones to be heard while striking out unscrupulous ones."
One year on from the reform of the system, the CBI report 'Restoring Faith In Employment Tribunals' found:
- All firms with fewer than 50 staff settled every claim despite advice they would win almost half the cases;
- Around a quarter of all firms settled even if they felt the claims lacked merit;
- 45% of employers believed the system was ineffective and half reported a rise in weak and vexatious claims in the last year;
- Three-quarters of firms encountered extra red tape because of the new reforms and one-quarter said the system was too costly;
- Each claim costs a company £4,360 in legal fees;
The CBI said it believed changes to both the operation of the employment tribunal system and the statutory dispute resolution procedures were necessary to restore employer confidence in the system. Recommendations included requiring claimants to make it clear in writing they are lodging a grievance and a review of the redundancy procedures.
Commenting on the survey, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said employment tribunals were an "important last resort in resolving workplace disputes." and access to them should not be limited to those who can afford to pay.
"CBI proposals to introduce charges on individual's bringing claims and increase cost awards to employees would limit access to justice for genuine claimants and disadvantage lower paid workers," he said.
He denied that the tribunal system was clogged up with vexatious claims, and that while dispute resolution legislation was complicated, government planned a review in two years.
"The CBI should not pre-empt the outcomes of this review before in-depth research has been conducted on how the procedures are operating in practice," said Mr Barber.
(SP/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2017
Irish Govt Urged To Remove Threat Of Workplace Tribunal Fees
SIPTU has called on the Government to remove the threat of workplace tribunal fees. Following a landmark ruling in the UK, which found that these charges mitigate against workers bringing such cases, the Government has been urged to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees.
Irish Govt Urged To Remove Threat Of Workplace Tribunal Fees
SIPTU has called on the Government to remove the threat of workplace tribunal fees. Following a landmark ruling in the UK, which found that these charges mitigate against workers bringing such cases, the Government has been urged to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees.
21 March 2006
Actel Opens European Processor R&D Centre in Dublin
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin announced that Actel Corporation, the California-based leader in single-chip programmable logic solutions, has established a European Processor Development Centre in Dublin with the support of IDA Ireland.
Actel Opens European Processor R&D Centre in Dublin
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin announced that Actel Corporation, the California-based leader in single-chip programmable logic solutions, has established a European Processor Development Centre in Dublin with the support of IDA Ireland.
24 March 2009
Pharma Jobs Boost For Carlow
Around 60 new jobs are to be created in Carlow by the pharmaceutical facility, Merck Sharp & Dohme. The recession-beating jobs are the result of the construction of a new €20m vaccines and biologics facility in the town this year. The firm says 170 people will be employed when the facility opens in 2011.
Pharma Jobs Boost For Carlow
Around 60 new jobs are to be created in Carlow by the pharmaceutical facility, Merck Sharp & Dohme. The recession-beating jobs are the result of the construction of a new €20m vaccines and biologics facility in the town this year. The firm says 170 people will be employed when the facility opens in 2011.
29 September 2006
Busting The Myths About The New Age Regulations
With new laws coming into force this Sunday banning ageism in the workplace, the TUC has produced a ten-point online myth-buster in an attempt to debunk some of the myths surrounding the new age regulations.
Busting The Myths About The New Age Regulations
With new laws coming into force this Sunday banning ageism in the workplace, the TUC has produced a ten-point online myth-buster in an attempt to debunk some of the myths surrounding the new age regulations.
02 September 2016
EHRC Cuts Will Hamper Action On Pregnancy Discrimination - Unite
Cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) of 30 per cent will hamper the government's ability to implement the findings of the House of Commons report into pregnancy and maternity discrimination, warned Unite the union.
EHRC Cuts Will Hamper Action On Pregnancy Discrimination - Unite
Cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) of 30 per cent will hamper the government's ability to implement the findings of the House of Commons report into pregnancy and maternity discrimination, warned Unite the union.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
