The Government has made a number of changes recently to the employment tribunal system to address weak or vexatious claims and their effect on all businesses, including smaller companies. Following Lord Justice Underhill's review of the employment tribunal rules of procedure, judges now have enhanced powers to apply deposit orders on weak elements of claims. An initial sift process, conducted by judges, has also been introduced to help identify and manage weak claims earlier in proceedings. In addition, claimants now have to pay a fee to bring an employment tribunal case. Fees will help claimants consider whether alternative forms of dispute resolution, such as the free conciliation service provided by ACAS, would be more appropriate for resolving their workplace disputes. From next year, claimants will be required to contact ACAS in the first instance and consider early conciliation before being able to proceed to an employment tribunal. The changes to the employment tribunal process were implemented on 29 July this year. Early conciliation will be introduced on 6 April 2014. Government will assess the effect of these changes on the intentions of all parties, including small businesses, before considering any further action.