ILO Convention 190

Lord Hunt of Wirral Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hunt of Wirral (Con)]

Might I share with the Minister my concern that backlogs in employment tribunals have now reached record levels? He referred to the Employment Rights Act. That statute and the related work reforms will generate, on the Government’s own analysis, at least a 17% increase in claims before employment tribunals, so will he give a clear assurance that those involved with claims of violence and harassment at work will not face delayed justice because of employment tribunal backlogs and that the Government will provide the additional judges, staff and resources required to meet that expected rise in claims?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

When it comes to talking about backlogs and underfunding in our criminal justice system, in fact our whole justice system, it takes a certain amount of chutzpah from those on the Benches opposite, who spent 14 years underfunding all aspects of our justice system, to then say, “Isn’t this going to be a problem?” We are investing in our criminal justice system, we have legislation going through your Lordships’ House to do just that, and I do not resile from my criticism of the Benches opposite for their failure to invest in our justice system.