Employment tribunal change unveiled

A package of measures designed to reform the employment tribunal system has been unveiled by the Government. If adopted, the proposals would see all claims by workers go before conciliation service Acas before a tribunal could get under way. A “rapid resolution scheme” would be created to deal with less complicated claims while there are also plans for a regional pilot scheme to help smaller businesses gain access to mediation services. It is hoped the measures will save millions of pounds, helping businesses in their recruitment and redundancy processes while still being “fair” to employees. Business Secretary Vince Cable is also seeking views on whether the 90-day redundancy consultation period could be lowered to just 30 days. Mr Cable believes that the proposals form the “most radical reform package for decades”. Also, from April 2012, it is being proposed that the period to make a claim could go up from one to two years of employment.

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