A road map has been published for employment tribunal hearings in England, Wales and Scotland for 2022-2023. The road map explains reforms underway to modernise tribunal processes and the role of video and in-person hearings in the future.
Video hearings are set to continue, but the good news for businesses is that the aim is to return to more in-person hearings where possible. Tactically, in-person hearings can be useful to focus a claimant’s mind and test whether they’re really committed to litigation given they’re more expensive, require travel and are generally a more daunting experience.
Video hearings will remain the default position for:
- Case management hearings
- Open preliminary hearings
- Strike out or deposit order applications
- Interim relief applications
- Final hearings for claims relating to unpaid wages, notice, holiday and redundancy pay
In-person hearings will be the preference for claims such as unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing (relying on a hybrid video/in-person approach where there is a backlog of cases). Parties to a case can apply to the tribunal for a change of format if a video or in-person hearing would be preferred.
If you’ve received a tribunal claim and need advice and support to manage the process and your defence, get in touch.
