Employment Tribunal Panels 2024-05-14
2024-05-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP asks about an assessment of proposed reforms to employment tribunal panels following a previous drop in cases due to fees.
What recent assessment has the Minister made of the effectiveness of proposed reforms to employment tribunal panels, given that the introduction of tribunal fees led to a 54% drop in case numbers and was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court?
The Senior President of Tribunals intends to publish responses to the consultation on proposed reforms shortly. The Lord Chancellor and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice will meet the Senior President tomorrow as part of their duty to consult before making these arrangements.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific effectiveness assessment was not provided, focusing instead on procedural steps.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP questions the government's intention to reintroduce employment tribunal fees despite concerns raised by numerous organisations.
Considering that tribunal fees previously led to a significant drop in cases and were deemed unlawful, why is the Government considering reintroducing these fees when many organisations including the TUC, Citizens Advice, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Liberty are calling for reconsideration?
The courts Minister has written to the Senior President of Tribunals conveying concerns raised during parliamentary scrutiny of the statutory instrument, and a meeting with the Senior President is scheduled to discuss these proposals.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Direct explanation for reintroducing fees was not provided, focusing on procedural steps taken.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP raises concerns about the employment tribunal backlog standing at over 460,000 cases by end of 2023, affecting workers who have been bullied or unfairly dismissed.
Given that hundreds of thousands of people across various courts are affected by a significant employment tribunal backlog, is there any new plan to address this issue?
The impact of the pandemic on the employment tribunal system and criminal justice system is acknowledged. Resources have been increased, and work is ongoing to address backlogs, but it will take time.
▸
Assessment & feedback
A specific plan or timeline was not provided, focusing instead on acknowledging past impacts.
It'S Complex
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP criticises the proposal for employment tribunal fees at a time of intense pressure on family budgets, raising concerns about fairness in access to justice.
Considering the current cost of living crisis and its impact on families' budgets, is it fair to expect workers to pay to take their employer to an employment tribunal? Should these proposed changes be scrapped for greater system fairness?
A regional virtual court has been introduced to safeguard access to justice, and efforts will continue to make this available as much as possible. The backlog is being addressed at pace.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Whether changes should be scrapped was not directly addressed; focus on existing measures.
It'S Complex
Response accuracy