§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the number of cases of alleged unfair dismissal that have been heard this year by industrial tribunals pursuant to the Employment Protection Act 1975; how many cases are known to him to have been dealt with and settled by ACAS in advance of such hearings; how many persons are in post full-time or part-time as conciliation officers; and what is the approximate total of members and supporting officials of the industrial tribunals engaged in hearings under the Act.
§ Mr. Harold Walker12,094 complaints of unfair dismissal were heard by industrial tribunals in the 12 months up to 30th June 1976, which is the latest 12-month period for which figures are available. In the same period, 12,175 such complaints were settled following references to ACAS, either through a conciliated settlement or a withdrawal.
At 1st December 1976, 212 persons were in post as conciliation officers. All of them are full-time. There are about 2,500 persons on the panels of chairmen and lay members of the industrial tribunals; and 520 supporting officials. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of how much of their time is spent on dealings with hearings of alleged unfair dismissal.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the approximate cost to public funds of industrial tribunals; and what approximate proportion of this sum he estimates to arise from hearings and adjudications in respect of cases of unfair dismissal arising under the Employment Protection Act 1975.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIt is estimated that the total cost of industrial tribunals in the current financial year will be £5¼188W million. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the proportion of this sum which is attributable to hearings relating to complaints of alleged unfair dismissal.