The Ministry of Justice has published the annual employment tribunal statistics for the year ending 31 March 2012. In 2011-12 employment tribunals received 186,300 claims, 15% less than the previous year. This was largely due to a 19% fall in multiple claims, i.e. claims involving two or more claimants that are processed together because they arise out of the same or very similar circumstances. Claims brought by individuals fell by only 2%.
The report also reveals that:
- On average there were 1.73 jurisdictional complaints (e.g. unfair dismissal or sex discrimination) per claim;
- Of the total 321,800 jurisdictional complaints, 31% were for unfair dismissal, breach of contract and redundancy; 29% related to the Working Time Regulations and 16% were for unauthorised deductions;
- 110,000 tribunal claims were disposed of, 10% fewer than in the previous year. Of the 230,000 jurisdictional complaints disposed of, 33% were conciliated by ACAS, an increase of 4%; 27% were withdrawn, a fall of 5% and 12% were successful at tribunal; and
- The number of multiple claims outstanding rose by 13%, however the number of individual claims outstanding fell by 7%.
Kate Fretten, Employment Solicitor, says "Get in touch if you need more information on this topic. You should find the other articles in August's employment newsletter of interest."
For a free initial meeting please call 01202 499255 and Kate or Paul will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.