The Annual Statistics
Report 2009/10, published by The Tribunals Service shows a substantial increase
in the number of employment tribunals claims compared to 2009/9, with the total
number increasing by 56% and the highest individual jurisdiction claim,
breaches of working time rules, up by 296%.
The Annual
Statistics Report covers the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 and shows
a substantial number of increases in cases with the suggestion that these are
due to the recession and a rise in the number of ‘class action’ multiple claims
arising out of the same matter. The Report reveals the following:
- The number of employment tribunal claims received
was 236,100 in 2009/10, an increase of 56% on 2008/09.
- The number of jurisdictional complaints contained
within those claims (one claim can cover more than one jurisdiction) amounted
to 392,800, an increase of 47% on 2008/09.
- The top 3 jurisdictional claims were as follows
(last year’s figures in brackets): (1) Working Time Regulations = 95,200
(24,000) + 296%; (2) Unauthorised deductions from wages = 75,500 (33,800) +
123%; and (3) Unfair dismissal = 57,400 (52,700) + 8.9%.
- The employment tribunal service failed to meet
its target of listing 75% of single accepted cases for a hearing within 26
weeks of receipt: it managed 65%, down on the previous year’s achievement of
74%.
-
87% of appeals were listed
for a first hearing in the EAT within 26 weeks of registration, which was 12%
better than its performance target of 75%.
July 2010
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
