CBI calls for changes to the "failing" tribunal system
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for
changes to the national employment tribunal system, which it says
is currently "failing" both employers and workers.
The CBI pulled no punches in its official response to the
Government's consultation on resolving workplace disputes, listing
a number of changes that it regards as crucial to fostering better
working arrangements.
The organisation's policy director, Katja Hall, said measures
needed to be put in place that would "weed out" weak claims,
encourage early settlements and deal with claims as efficiently as
possible if they do reach the tribunal stage.
"We are saddled with a tribunal system that is expensive,
stressful and time-consuming for all parties," she said. "Surely
it's in everyone's interests for cases with merit to be heard
quickly and settled, while weak claims are swiftly identified and
weeded out. We'd like to see more workplace disputes being resolved
before they reach tribunal."
The Confederation said that the number of claims had increased
by 173 per cent since 2005, creating an ever-expanding backlog of
cases. Ms Hall said the CBI backed the suggestion that a
"proportionate" fee be brought in for every tribunal claim.