SMALL CLAIMS LIMIT

Early day motion 958, tabled 21 February 2017 by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House cherishes access to justice for victims of workplace accidents and industrial diseases; notes that in these often difficult and complicated cases, victims require proper legal representation and expert reports, the costs of which cannot be recovered when taken through a small claims court; therefore opposes a Government proposal to increase the threshold of employer liability personal injury small claims cases to £5,000 from £1,000, thereby denying around 90 per cent of victims necessary professional legal services; is appalled that this could lead to around 80,000 victims each year being left undefended against well represented employers and their insurers; believes that many victims will be forced into the hands of unprincipled claims companies, as reputable lawyers will be left unable to take their cases; is concerned that there will be a knock-on effect for health and safety in workplaces, as unscrupulous employers realise that they are less likely to be financially liable for injuries and diseases to their staff; and calls on the Government to exclude employer liability cases from any changes to how courts deal with personal injury cases.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Labour/Co-operative 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.