FUTURE OF EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Early day motion 1142, tabled 10 March 2008 by David Anderson (Labour). Signed by 53 members.

That this House expresses its concern that proposals included in the Employment (Simplification) Bill and the recent consultation Transforming Tribunals could lead to a situation wherein the long standing practice of tripartite decision making in employment related matters is severely reduced; believes that such decision making has stood the test of time; acknowledges the key role that a legally qualified chairperson plays in the system; is convinced that the experience of lay members in the real world of work is an essential component of the system; notes that many lay members are concerned that their role is to be downgraded; and calls on the Government to put in place a system that builds on, rather than loses, the expertise of lay members.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.