Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 10 FEBRUARY 2011

All Change: Sweeping Reforms To The Employment Tribunal System

Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Contributor
Withers LLP

Withers LLP

Withers is an international law firm focused on the personal, business and philanthropic interests...

View firm profile
Explore more from Withers LLP

The Government has proposed introducing a series of employment tribunal reforms, aimed at addressing concerns raised by businesses (and small businesses in particular) that employment tribunals have become overly costly and time-consuming.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Emma Sanderson
Emma Sanderson
Author LinkedIn connections

The Government has proposed introducing a series of employment tribunal reforms, aimed at addressing concerns raised by businesses (and small businesses in particular) that employment tribunals have become overly costly and time-consuming.

Last year the number of employment tribunal claims rose to a record 236,000, with each claim costing (on average) thousands of pounds to defend. The Government says it is concerned that the current employment tribunal system is constraining economic growth in the UK, as businesses have become sensitive to how easily they might be drawn into employment litigation. There is also a perception amongst businesses that employment tribunals offer disproportionately greater protection to employees than to employers.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

UK Right To Work Checks: What Changes On 1 October 2026

The UK's right-to-work regime is undergoing a fundamental transformation that will extend compliance obligations far beyond traditional employment relationships. From 1 October 2026, businesses engaging contractors, agency workers, platform-based workers, and complex supply chains will face new liability risks that travel up entire contracting chains. Understanding these changes and implementing the required contractual terms, substitution controls, and identity verification systems is now critical for orga
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Article

Employment Case Law Update | Autumn 2026 – Unfair Dismissal, Equal Pay And Discrimination

Recent UK employment law decisions have reshaped how employers must approach part-time worker protection, philosophical belief discrimination, freedom of speech in academic settings, and equal pay claims. These landmark cases establish new precedents for workplace policies, disciplinary procedures, and compensation structures that could significantly impact organizational practices.
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Article

Prevention Of Illegal Working — Key Changes Taking Effect 1 October 2026

The UK's illegal working regime has undergone its most significant expansion since inception, extending right to work obligations beyond traditional employment to encompass workers, individual subcontractors, and platform-based arrangements. A new "extended liability" framework now exposes businesses throughout supply chains to civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, even where they lack direct contractual relationships.
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown
Article

Acas Publishes Fully Revised Draft Code Of Practice On Disciplinary And Grievance Procedures

On 30 July 2026, Acas published a fully revised draft Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, marking the first comprehensive update since 2015. The proposed changes introduce significant new requirements around informal resolution, reasonable adjustments for disabled workers, and updated guidance on suspension, mediation, and the right to be accompanied at workplace meetings.
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Article

A 5% Wealth Tax? Preparing Clients For California's Billionaire Tax Act

California's proposed Billionaire Tax Act would impose a onetime 5% excise tax on individuals and trusts with assets exceeding $1 billion, creating unprecedented challenges for estate planners. The retroactive application and anti-abuse provisions raise critical questions about the treatment of grantor trusts, non-grantor trusts, and beneficiary interests that deviate significantly from established federal wealth transfer tax principles.
United StatesTax
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Article

Navigating Florida’s New Trust, Probate And Series LLC Statutes

Florida has enacted significant statutory changes affecting trust administration, probate procedures, and business entity formation. These reforms introduce streamlined nonjudicial processes for trustee discharge, expand access to simplified probate administration, and establish a new framework for protected series LLCs that offers enhanced asset protection and operational flexibility for estate planners and business owners.
United StatesWealth Management
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Article

Major Overhaul Of F-1, J-1: End Of "Duration Of Status" Or "D/S" - Fixed Admission Periods And New Extension Of Stay Requirements

The Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule eliminating the long-standing "duration of status" framework for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives, replacing it with fixed admission periods capped at four years. Students and exchange visitors who need additional time will now be required to file Extension of Stay applications with USCIS or depart and re-enter the United States. The rule, effective September 15, 2026, introduces significant restrictions o
United StatesImmigration
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Article

New Chinese Mainland Offshore Trust Tax Regime: Immediate Implications For Settlors, Beneficiaries And Trustees

China's Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have issued comprehensive new regulations governing offshore trust taxation, creating a framework that applies throughout the entire lifecycle of offshore trusts from initial funding to succession. These sweeping changes, effective immediately with a 90-day compliance window, impose Chinese Mainland taxes at multiple points for residents who have established offshore trusts, while also extending reach to non-residents with Chinese Mainland-source
ChinaTax
Withers LLP
Withers LLP