§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the number of employment tribunal claims in the last five years; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce the extent of non-compliance with regulations by employers. [14374]
§ Alan JohnsonThe number of applications were:
- 1996–97: 88,961
- 1997–98: 80,435
- 1998–99: 91,913
- 1999–2000: 103,935
- 2000–01: 130,408.
The Employment Bill, introduced in Parliament on 7 November 2001, aims to reduce recourse to employment tribunals through a better understanding of employment rights and responsibilities. In particular, the Bill will set new minimum standards for dealing with workplace disputes and a penalty on employers for failure to comply with the requirement to provide a written statement of employment particulars. The changes will be supported by advice and guidance to help employers meet the requirements of the law.