Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice recently show that the number of claims lodged with the employment tribunal between October and December 2013 have fallen by 79% compared with the same quarter last year: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/289342/tribunal-stats-oct-dec-2013.pdf
This significant decrease in the number of claims follows the introduction of tribunal fees in July last year together with other measures including increasing the time that an employee must be employed before s/he can bring a claim for unfair dismissal from one to two years.
These statistics are the first reliable statistics to indicate such a significant drop in claims since the introduction of tribunal fees and other measures.
Whilst they will be welcomed by employers on the one hand they do raise concerns on the other that employees may return to trade unions to help them enforce their rights in the workplace absent any other viable route.
For further information contact the employment team on 01737 854 500 or email [email protected]