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08/09/2003
Acas report downward trend continues in employment tribunals
Independent arbitration body, Acas, has revealed that that the number of applications reaching employment tribunals has decreased for the third consecutive year.
According the body's annual report for 2003 - published today - the total number of applications handled by Acas has fallen since 2001 from 104,000 to 94,000 in the corresponding period last year - a drop of almost 10%.
Also, the numbers of applications withdrawn or settled before reaching the tribunal stage have increased, with 77% going no further than the Acas stage.
Acas Chair Rita Donaghy said: "I believe Acas has had a big part to play in this trend. Our good practice guidance helps employers avoid falling foul of employment law and by having the right sort of discipline and grievance procedures in place, organisations can ensure that problems are dealt with promptly before getting to the stage of an employee putting in an application to a tribunal.
"Acas also has an important role in the number of applications which are settled or withdrawn. We have a statutory duty to contact both employer and employee when an application is lodged. It is a tribute to the skill and professionalism of Acas staff in conciliating between the two parties that the number of cases reaching tribunals has continued to fall."
Ms Donaghy said that Acas had played a key role in providing advice and guidance and looked forward to continuing to do so.
Imminent legislation includes an EC Directive outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief in the workplace. Also pending are the remaining Employment Act provisions covering discipline and grievance procedures as well as changes in the conciliation process.
“With our unique perspective and practical experience of workplaces we expect to contribute to the current and upcoming debates and will play a central role in helping organisations prepare and implement changes successfully," she added.
Unfair dismissal continues to be the largest category of complaint, amounting to almost a third of applications, while applications under the Wages Act made up almost one quarter of the applications.
(SP)
According the body's annual report for 2003 - published today - the total number of applications handled by Acas has fallen since 2001 from 104,000 to 94,000 in the corresponding period last year - a drop of almost 10%.
Also, the numbers of applications withdrawn or settled before reaching the tribunal stage have increased, with 77% going no further than the Acas stage.
Acas Chair Rita Donaghy said: "I believe Acas has had a big part to play in this trend. Our good practice guidance helps employers avoid falling foul of employment law and by having the right sort of discipline and grievance procedures in place, organisations can ensure that problems are dealt with promptly before getting to the stage of an employee putting in an application to a tribunal.
"Acas also has an important role in the number of applications which are settled or withdrawn. We have a statutory duty to contact both employer and employee when an application is lodged. It is a tribute to the skill and professionalism of Acas staff in conciliating between the two parties that the number of cases reaching tribunals has continued to fall."
Ms Donaghy said that Acas had played a key role in providing advice and guidance and looked forward to continuing to do so.
Imminent legislation includes an EC Directive outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief in the workplace. Also pending are the remaining Employment Act provisions covering discipline and grievance procedures as well as changes in the conciliation process.
“With our unique perspective and practical experience of workplaces we expect to contribute to the current and upcoming debates and will play a central role in helping organisations prepare and implement changes successfully," she added.
Unfair dismissal continues to be the largest category of complaint, amounting to almost a third of applications, while applications under the Wages Act made up almost one quarter of the applications.
(SP)
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