Tribunal Claims – Fast-track System

The Government has announced proposals to develop a fast-track system for Employment Tribunals to deal with simple monetary claims. The Employment Relations Minister has confirmed that the new system will involve five jurisdictions in straightforward claims which will be determined without the requirement for a Tribunal hearing.

The five jurisdictions which were considered suitable for the fast track system are claims for: unlawful deductions from wages; breach of contract; redundancy pay; holiday pay and national minimum wage. Claims falling within these jurisdictions that are combined with other jurisdictions outside the list will not be eligible for a fast-track determination.

It is likely that claims will be determined by a judge sitting alone, without the assistance of lay members, which will result in the speeding up of simple cases.