ET Statistics Published

On 12 June 2014, we received the latest Employment Tribunal statistics from the Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”).

Unsurprisingly, the figures show a continued reduction in the number of claims in the Tribunal system, between the periods January – March 2014.

The number of single claims was down 59% when compared to the same period in 2013, though this was slightly lower than the 63% reduction which was seen for the period October – December 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012.

Multiple claims numbers were also down 68% when compared to the same period in 2013.

Does this show that the rate at which claim numbers are falling, is slowing down? The Trade Union UNISON will certainly not hope so, as an appeal on their judicial review challenge to Employment Tribunal fees is set to be heard towards the end of 2014.

It is likely that they will point to these latest figures, as further evidence that fees are causing a disproportionate effect on the numbers of claims, and reducing access to justice as a result. UNISON will no doubt be watching carefully as to what the April – June 2014 figures will show, when they are published in the Autumn.

Whilst the figures themselves are not overly surprising, of more intrigue is how a number of commentators spotted a slip-up from the MoJ when the figures were released. It appears that a set of figures were published initially, before they were taken down and replaced by a different set of figures a short time later.

Presumably the first set of figures must have been inaccurate, but as the MoJ has not confirmed this chain of events, it unclear whether the second set of figures, which have not been taken down, are any more reliable than the first set of figures?

Without comment from the MoJ, it is difficult to establish how reliable the figures are, whether the chain of events was a mere clerical error of no significance, or whether something more underhand is going on?

Answers on a postcard…