The truth is that it is too early to tell. The latest figures show that there were 97,896 tribunal claims in 2004, compared to 127,594 claims throughout 2003, but the new regulations only applied for part of the year. Other industry predictions warn that employment tribunal applications made against employers are still likely to rise over the next few years, despite the fall in 2004 ? largely as a result of the raft of new employment rights introduced over the last few years.

Further, there has been some speculation that the new procedures have meant claims are taking longer to process and are actually generating claims themselves.

The general perception however, is that it is still too early to gauge the real effect on tribunal applications and, therefore, the effect on employee relations within organisations.

For further advice or an information pack on the statutory procedures, including grievance, discipline and dismissal, please contact Lisa Davies on 01494 478 801 or email lisa@hradvantage.co.uk

June 2005