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1 October 2004 brings major changes in dispute resolution in the workplace and subsequent changes to the Employment Tribunal Rules of Procedure. Click here for further information.


Employment Trials and Tribulations

Employment Tribunals are "independent judicial bodies which determine disputes relating mainly to individual employment rights. Their aim is to provide speedy, accessible and relatively informal justice".

During April 2003 to March 2004 there were 115,042 applications to the Employment Tribunal compared to 98,617 the previous year - an increase of 17%. For both employees and employers Employment Tribunals can be a costly experience, no legal aid is available and tribunals are estimated to cost UK businesses some £163 million a year. Costs aside, there is no doubt whether you are bringing or defending a claim, that Employment Tribunals can be a daunting and upsetting experience.

Derian Keyms Consulting Ltd assists both employees and employers at Employment Tribunals and has successfully handled some 28 disputes in the last 18 months. Step by step we can guide you through the entire process and even represent you at the hearing itself. We are not a law firm and therefore we do not provide legal advice or legal representation. The Employment Tribunal system is relatively informal and does not require that assistance and representation is solely provided by lawyers and barristers. There are many forms of "lay" assistance - including, for example, Citizens Advice Bureaux. Our rates are competitive and we can promise you a highly personal and supportive service.

About Employment Tribunals

Employment Tribunals exist to try and fairly settle employment disputes between employees and employers. The majority of disputes, accounting for some 33% of claims relate to unfair dismissal, but other types of claims include disability, race (including religion or belief) or sex discrimination (including sexual orientation), rights to equal pay, the right to request flexible working and maternity rights. The Employment Tribunal panel usually consists of a legally qualified Chairman and two independent lay members who hear the case. The Tribunal panel can award compensation, usually made up of a basic award plus a compensatory sum within limits set down in government guidelines.

Click here for an overview of how the Employment Tribunal process works.

If you would like more information contact us.