INTRODUCTION OF A COSTS REGIME FOR EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Early day motion 260, tabled 17 October 2001 by Joan Walley (Labour). Signed by 59 members.

That this House congratulates the Government on providing the opportunity for widespread consultation on its consultation paper, Routes to Resolution: Improving Dispute Resolution in Great Britain; welcomes the stated aim that disputes should be settled where possible in the workplace; supports the objective that all employers should have procedures for handling disciplinary problems and employee grievances; expresses concern that proposals to charge fees for employment tribunals will deter applicants with well founded cases; expresses considerable concern that proposals for the losing party to pay the winner's costs as a matter of course or for the losing party to pay the winner's costs in so-called weak cases, combined with the ability of employment tribunals since 16th July 2001 to make on the spot awards of costs to a new maximum of ú10,000, will act as a massive further deterrent which will deny applicants effective protection of their statutory rights; and calls on the Government to review urgently the steps already taken and those currently proposed to introduce a costs regime for employment tribunals.

Signatures by party: Labour 48, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 1.