Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with (a) business groups and (b) employer organisations on the potential impact of the level of efficiency of employment tribunals on SMEs.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We are committed to ensuring that Employment Tribunals operate effectively, ensuring workers have access to justice while minimising burdens on the majority of businesses which play by the rules.

As part of the development of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government has consulted with businesses extensively and further engagements (including on this topic) are planned.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent estimate his Department has made of the financial impact of Employment Tribunal delays on UK businesses.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We are committed to ensuring that Employment Tribunals operate effectively, ensuring workers have access to justice while minimising burdens on the majority of businesses which play by the rules.

As part of the development of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government has consulted with businesses extensively and further engagements (including on this topic) are planned.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of Employment Tribunal cases are withdrawn or settled before hearing due to delays in the listing process; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact on business productivity.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

Settlements and withdrawals from legal proceedings may take place for a variety of reasons which are unconnected to delays in the court process. HM Courts & Tribunals Service does not hold separate data on reasons for settlements or withdrawals. Moreover, listing is exclusively a judicial function.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of employment tribunal delays on access to justice for (a) claimants and (b) respondents.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

We recognise that there remain significant challenges for the performance of the Employment Tribunals following the inheritance from the previous Government. We are determined to cut delays and ensure timely access to justice for all.

The Lord Chancellor announced on 05 March a sitting day allocation for the Employment Tribunals of 33,900 in 2025/26, the maximum allocation the tribunal is able to sit.

Following a recruitment drive, in 2024 we recruited 21 more salaried judges in the Employment Tribunals than in 2023. Further recruitment for up to 36 salaried Employment Judges commenced in March 2025. 50 fee paid employment judges were appointed in 2024 and recruitment will commence for another 50 in early 2026.

HMCTS continues to invest in improving tribunal productivity through the recruitment of additional judges, deployment of Legal Officers to actively manage cases, the development of modern case management systems, and the use of remote hearing technology. A ‘Virtual Region’ of judges has delivered over 1,500 extra sitting days.

We are continuing to monitor demand in the Employment Tribunals and are working with the judiciary, HMCTS and the Department for Business and Trade on any further actions needed to alleviate pressures on the Employment Tribunals, improve efficiency and reduce waiting times.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many sitting days were lost in employment tribunals due to (a) judicial and (b) administrative staff shortages in the last 12 months.

Answered by Nicholas Dakin - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

HM Courts & Tribunals Service does not hold information on sitting days lost in employment tribunals due to (a) judicial and (b) administrative shortages in the past 12 months.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Prime Minister plans to respond to the letter of 25 February 2025 from the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs.

Answered by Abena Oppong-Asare - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response will be issued in due course.

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