The Government has announced the next steps in its review of employment law. Key proposals set out in the consultation include:

  • Increasing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal rights from one to two years  
  • Encouraging parties to resolve disputes between themselves as early as possible  
  • Speeding up the tribunal process by allowing judges to sit alone in more cases (unfair dismissal claims and possibly others)  
  • Providing tribunals with a range of more flexible case management powers to deal with weak and vexatious claims.  

There is also a commitment that the Ministry of Justice will consult separately this year on introducing fees for tribunal cases and appeals. Consultation closes on 20 April 2011. We will keep you updated.