Employment Tribunal Rules: Review by Mr Justice Underhill

Mr Justice Underhill’s review of employment tribunals rules of procedure was published on 11 July 2012. The consultation on the substance of his recommendations concluded on 23 November 2012. They included:

• a number of new rules to ensure effective case management, such as simplified and streamlined procedures for preliminary hearings and withdrawing cases
• new Presidential guidance which will provide all parties a better idea of what to expect and what will be expected of them at tribunal
• a stand alone rule that gives employment tribunals and judges a clear mandate to encourage and facilitate the use of alternative forms of dispute resolution at all appropriate stages of the tribunal process

The government also took this opportunity to invite evidence and views on wider issues related to the employment tribunal system, such as encouraging better compliance with employment tribunal orders for awards. We published our response to the consultation on 14 March 2013.