EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation has today welcomed the publication of the Underhill Review of Employment Tribunal Rules. Mr Justice Underhill’s recommendations, together with a draft of the new rules, were today published by the Government ahead of a formal consultation exercise on their implementation.
Commenting, Tim Thomas, Head of Employment Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said:
‘The tone and direction of travel adopted by Mr Justice Underhill are to be welcomed. EEF has long called for reform of the Tribunal process, such as removing weak claims earlier, progressing claims without delay and encouraging Judges to use their existing powers more robustly, particularly on costs.
‘The draft new rules are shorter and expressed in plain English, with an emphasis on robust case management and greater emphasis on early settlement. We particularly welcome the initiative to ensure that claims with no reasonable prospect of success are identified early and dealt with in a way which minimises the expense to employers. The government now needs to respond quickly and positively.’
ENDS