Latest News About Employment Tribunal

Here’s a quick update on the latest developments regarding employment tribunals.

• Backlogs and delays persist in England and Wales, with reports noting waiting times stretching to multiple years in some regions, particularly London and the South East. This is affecting unfair dismissal and other tribunal claims as case volumes remain high.[2]
• The Employment Tribunals Service is facing a shortage of judges, which contributes to longer processing times and smaller regional capacity. Efforts to recruit more judges have not fully closed the gap, leading to continued delays.[1]
• Acas early conciliation notifications remain high as more claimants pursue resolution steps before tribunal hearings, with expectations of continued high volumes given policy changes in 2025. The pre-litigation stage continues to be a bottleneck in overall timelines.[1]

Key takeaways for claimants and employers

• If you’re considering lodging a claim or preparing for a hearing, expect extended timelines and plan accordingly for potential long waits, especially if your matter is in London or nearby regions.[2]
• For individuals with unfair dismissal or discrimination claims, delays can be substantial; exploring early resolution options through Acas remains advisable to avoid protracted tribunals.[1][2]
• Employers should prepare for evolving procedural tracks and potential use of digital or triage approaches as authorities seek to improve efficiency, though real-world improvements may take time given current backlogs.[2][1]

Illustration: backlog trajectory

• Backlog has grown significantly post-pandemic, with thousands of new claims entering the system annually and a large portion of cases still awaiting hearings, underscoring the strain on resources and the need for systemic reforms.[1][2]

Would you like a concise briefing tailored to your location (e.g., London vs other regions) or guidance on navigating Acas conciliation and tribunal processes? I can also pull more details on recent policy changes or provide a short checklist for claimants.