Ministers will take employers to tribunal if workers don’t want to sue.
A new enforcement body is to be granted the power to take cases forward on behalf of employees as part of reforms that businesses say will drive up costs
Geraldine Scott
, Senior Political Correspondent
Thursday March 06 2025, 12.01am GMT, The Times
Four in five businesses expect their costs to rise after the government’s workers’ rights reforms, new research suggests, as it emerged that ministers will be able to drag companies through employment tribunals on behalf of employees even if they do not wish to sue.Amendments to a bill going through parliament grant a new enforcement body the ability to take individual claims forward in what lawyers have called a “draconian use of the power of the state”.
It is understood that the 'Fair Work Agency', which is being set up to enforce workers’ rights, would be able to step in where workers are unwilling or unable to bring a claim, if ministers believe there is a case to answer.
The body would also be able to give support and advice, including legal representation, to those who do bring claims against their employers.
Blogger: two points.
ONE: This is going to add to business costs and consequently will see unemployment rise even further!
TWO: I know how unemployment tribunals currently work. I know who sits on them. I know that oodles of rightfully sacked workers win cases at present!
People wonder why so many firms use agency workers and short-term contracts. Well. It is because they truly fear employing people they will never be permitted to sack.
.jpeg)