The Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024
On 6 December 2024, the Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 (the “Rules”) came into force. The Rules consolidate and update the existing Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 1990 (as amended).
The Rules set out the procedure to be followed in employment tribunals in England and Wales. They cover a wide range of matters, including:
- The making of claims and responses
- The disclosure of documents
- The conduct of hearings
- The making of awards
The Rules are intended to make the employment tribunal system more accessible and efficient. They introduce a number of changes, including:
- A new online claim form
- A simplified disclosure process
- A new early conciliation scheme
- A new case management system
The Rules also reflect the changes made to the employment tribunal system by the Employment Tribunals (Reform) Act 2023. These changes include:
- The introduction of fees for lodging claims
- The extension of the time limit for submitting claims
- The introduction of a new mediation service
Key changes
Some of the key changes introduced by the Rules include:
- New online claim form
A new online claim form is available on the GOV.UK website. The form is designed to be easy to use and can be completed in around 15 minutes.
- Simplified disclosure process
The disclosure process has been simplified to make it easier for parties to exchange documents. Parties are now only required to disclose documents that are relevant to the issues in dispute.
- New early conciliation scheme
A new early conciliation scheme has been introduced to encourage parties to settle their disputes before submitting a claim to an employment tribunal. The scheme is free to use and is confidential.
- New case management system
A new case management system has been introduced to help employment tribunals manage cases more efficiently. The system allows parties to track the progress of their case online.
Fees
Fees are now payable for lodging claims with an employment tribunal. The fees are:
- Single claim – £160
- Multiple claims – £230
Fees can be reduced or waived in certain circumstances, such as if the claimant is on a low income.
Time limit for submitting claims
The time limit for submitting a claim to an employment tribunal has been extended from three months to six months.
Mediation service
A new, free mediation service has been introduced to help parties resolve their disputes without going to an employment tribunal. Mediation is confidential and is conducted by an independent mediator.
Conclusion
The Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 are a significant change to the employment tribunal system. The Rules are designed to make the system more accessible and efficient. They also reflect the changes made by the Employment Tribunals (Reform) Act 2023.
The Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024
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