Employment Bill [HL]

I am grateful to my noble friend Lady Turner of Camden for moving her amendment. I could not help but overhear her concern earlier that the Government were not in a very giving mood so far today. I told her to wait. I do not think that she will think that what I am about to offer her is a huge concession, but I know it will be appreciated for what it is. Our consultation on resolving disputes in the workplace sought views on the best approach for dealing swiftly and effectively with straightforward monetary disputes. The consultation responses produced strong support for developing further the good practice which already exists within tribunals. The Government intend to exercise their existing powers by which employment judges may determine proceedings without a hearing. The rationale behind this proposal is to enable claims in certain limited jurisdictions to be resolved more quickly, potentially saving time and costs for all parties and, incidentally, enabling those with more significant, complicated claims to have their cases heard sooner rather than waiting for the simple claims to be heard at the present rate.