The Ministry of Justice released the most recent set of employment tribunal statistics earlier this month. There were 5,619 single claims lodged between January and March 2014, compared with 13,491 single claims lodged between January and March 2013. This is a 58% reduction in single claims compared with the same period last year. Nevertheless, there appears to be a slow rise upwards in the number of single claims compared with the period October to December 2013.
The statistics for October to December 2013, which were the first set to be produced showing the impact of tribunal fees, showed a 67% drop in the number of single claims, and a 79% drop overall.
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Paul Burton, Employment Associate says, “These new statistics show that the decrease in tribunal claims following the introduction of fees in July 2013 was not a short-term issue, and that the numbers of claims are unlikely to return to the levels prior to the fees being issued.” However, as many predicted, there has been a bit of a rise in level of claims from the end of 2013 and this trend is likely to continue. We, like many, predict that the amount of claims is probably going to return to a level about 20% – 30% lower than the period prior to July 2013.
At Frettens, all of our solicitors offer a free initial meeting or chat on the phone to answer your questions. If this article raises issues for you or your business, please call us on 01202 499255 andKate or Paul will be happy to discuss it with you.
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