Backlog in Employment Tribunals – when will your case be heard?

However, the BBC has now reported that claims could take 5 years from the point of issue to be heard.

Recent figures show that there is a backlog of almost 72,000 cases before the Employment Tribunal, an increase of around 26,000 in one year.

Delays of this magnitude affect both the claimant and the respondent, neither of whom can gain closure until the final hearing. Further, there is a real risk that claims will not be able to receive a fair hearing – witnesses may no longer be able to remember clearly the facts of the case, or may not even be able to take part in the hearing at all.

It is not clear when, nor how, the situation will be resolved, but this is disheartening news for anyone with a current case, or who is considering issuing a claim.

The latest figures released on the Tribunal backlog serve to remind us that every attempt should be made by employees and employers alike to resolve matter before they reach the Tribunal stage. Assistance from an expert employment solicitor can guide you through negotiations and hopefully help you to reach an early settlement.

Esther Marshall

Member