HC Deb 10 November 1977 vol 938 cc176-7W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether employers can claim costs in which unfair dismissal is not proven.

Mr. Harold Walker:

Parties to industrial tribunal cases must normally bear their own costs whatever the outcome. The tribunal may, however, award costs if it considers that either party has acted frivilously or vexatiously; or if a party has requested a postponement of the proceedings.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of unfair dismissal claims was successfully upheld in tribunals in 1976 and 1975.

Mr, Harold Walker:

In 1976, 36 per cent. of unfair dismissal applications that went to a hearing at industrial tribunals were upheld and in 1975 38 per cent. were upheld.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many cases of unfair dismissal were brought in 1976 and 1975; and if he will give a breakdown of these figures by size of firm involved.

Mr. Harold Walker:

The number of unfair dismissal applications registered by the Central Offices of the Industrial Tribunals in 1975 was 30,153 and in 1976 was 37,869. Applications are not analysed by size of firm.