Employment tribunal reforms welcomed by industry expert

The government's plan to reform employment tribunal procedure has been welcomed by one industry expert.

Chancellor George Osborne announced at the Conservative Party Conference that the qualifying period for unfair dismissals will be increased from one to two years.

Victoria Mitchell, employment law solicitor at Blackburn-based Farley's Solicitors LLP, told the Lancashire Telegraph: "These changes will reduce the number of claims going through the tribunal system, which has come under significant strain over the past twelve months."

Mr Osborne also plans to impose a £150 to £250 charge on claimants asking for an employment tribunal application and a further £1,000 for starting a hearing.

The costs will increase for compensation claims of more than £30,000.

The charges are recoverable if the case is won and are designed to deregulate the labour market and prevent false applications.

However, British trade unions have criticised the reforms, calling them an attempt to silence vulnerable workers, according to the Guardian.

Posted by Phil Hammond