To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions his Department has had with relevant stakeholders on the recommencing of employment tribunals throughout the UK as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased; and if he will make a statement. (74665)
Tabled on: 15 July 2020
This question was grouped with the following question(s) for answer:
- To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department has taken to ensure employment tribunals can take place in a timely manner during the covid-19 outbreak. (74663)
Tabled on: 15 July 2020
Answer:
Chris Philp:
Employment Tribunals have continued to sit during the covid-19 lockdown restrictions by making use of online and remote technology to hear cases and ensure continued access to justice for users. Face to face hearings are now starting to resume where it is safe to do so in line with comprehensive and ongoing risk assessments. The details of Employment Tribunal receipts and disposals during the period of lockdown restrictions can be found here:
www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/hmcts-management-information-may-2020
Having responded effectively to the immediate crisis, HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is now fully focused on recovering its operations to increase courts and tribunals capacity to deal both with normal workloads across jurisdictions and outstanding cases. HMCTS has recently published a progress update on its recovery plans.
The Employment Tribunal Presidents have also published a document setting out how Employment Tribunals operate both now and in the months ahead.
www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FAQ-edition-date-1-June-2020.pdf
The answer was submitted on 24 Jul 2020 at 14:18.
Ronnie Cowan MP 