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      FJG Solicitors in Essex, Colchester, Chelmsford, London – Fisher Jones Greenwood
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      Labour Party Outline Key Employment Policies Ahead of the 2015 General Election

      15 September 2014 by Guest Author

      Parliament

      Early last week, shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna announced to the annual TUC Congress that, should Labour win the 2015 General Election, it will scrap what it calls the “unfair” tribunal system.

      What Labour terms as “unfair” is of course the controversial imposition of fees for Employment Tribunal claims. The current fee system came into force in June 2013 and has had a dramatic effect on the employment litigation environment.

      Claimants previously enjoyed a “no risk” cost neutral environment when bringing a claim in the Employment Tribunal. With no fees payable to lodge the claim, and awards of costs very rare, claims were actively encouraged.

      The announcement coincides with the latest release of quarterly Employment Tribunal statistics which appear to show that claims in the Employment Tribunal have fallen by around 70% when measured against similar, pre-fee regime time periods. 3,792 claims were filed between April and June 2014 which is the lowest number recorded in a three-month period since statistics were first published in 2008/09.

      The Conservatives have placed a different PR spin on the statistics. They highlight the positive effect that Employment Tribunal fees have had in bankrolling the service and on reducing the number of frivolous claims.

      While fees are a contributing factor in the reduction of Employment Tribunal claims, there are other reforms that have also had their effect. Earlier this year, for example, we saw the introduction of the ACAS early conciliation scheme which made Alternative Dispute Resolution a mandatory, pre-action step.

      There are steps that can be taken to reduce the costs of Employment Tribunal claims both from the perspective of the employee and the employer. Employees considering bringing a claim can take advantage of a fee remission system if their earnings are below a certain level or they are in receipt of certain passported benefits. Similarly, employers can take advantage of the ACAS early conciliation scheme and attempt to negotiate an early settlement, avoiding the costs normally associated with considering a Defence.

      If you are an employee considering bringing an Employment Tribunal claim, or an employer looking at defending a claim, our Employment team are available to advise on the process and on the various ways of funding claims. Our employment team is available by telephone on 01206 835 230 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]

      Credit – blog post written by Lawrence Adams.

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      Fisher Jones Greenwood is the trading name of Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England ( Number: OC305854 ). A list of members is available for inspection at the registered office at Charter Court, Newcomen Way, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9YA

      We are open for business and working remotely

      Here at Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors we would like to reassure all our existing and future clients that even in these uncertain and difficult times we are able to assist you with your current and future legal requirements.

      Like so many others, we are constantly monitoring and acting on Government advice and guidelines and as such our offices are temporarily closed to the public. You may, if you wish, visit our offices to post any correspondence and documents through letter boxes.

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      Please do not hesitate to contact your legal adviser by email or by telephone should you have any worries or concerns. Alternatively, please call our main switchboard number (01206 835300) and a message to return your call will be by relayed to the relevant person.

      Finally, everyone at FJG would like to wish you, your families and your colleagues well throughout this current crisis.

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      Paula Cameron
      Managing Partner