Annual update on employment tribunal claims statistics published
The recently published Tribunal Statistics Quarterly: January to March 2026 includes an annual update on the number of employment tribunal claims being raised and also dealt with (disposals). During 2025/26, the number of tribunal claims brought by individuals increased by 39% compared with 2024/25, while disposals of claims decreased by 12%. Consequently, the overall caseload has increased by 55% when compared to 2024/25. This translates to the employment tribunal having received 50,000 claims from individuals in 2025/26, while disposing of only 26,000 claims, leaving an open caseload of 64,000 claims at the end of March 2026. There is also an open caseload of over 450,000 multiple claims (i.e. multiple claims against a single employer arising out of particular circumstances).
The growing backlog means that both individuals and employers, particularly in England, are waiting for significant periods of time for claims to be heard, with delays of more than two years in certain regions. The changes brought by the Employment Rights Act 2025 will result in even more claims being raised, including the changes to unfair dismissal law coming into force on 1 January 2027. The Employment Lawyers Association has called for urgent action by the UK Government to ensure that we have an effective mechanism for dealing with employment disputes without unreasonable delay.
Consultation on strengthening employment rights for carers
The UK Government has launched a consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. The consultation considers whether the current statutory right to take up to one week (pro rata for part-time employees) of unpaid leave in a rolling 12-month period remains fit for purpose. The leave entitlement, which was brought into effect via the Carer's Leave Act 2023, is available to employees caring for a dependant with a long-term care need. The consultation looks at options for statutory leave and other support measures, such as improved guidance and communications. This includes consideration of:
- increasing the one-week entitlement;
- introducing a "right to return"; and
- introducing a statutory right to paid carer's leave.
The consultation also considers the proposed "Hugh's Law", which would provide financial support and leave for parents and caregivers in the immediate aftermath of a child being diagnosed with a serious illness. The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
EHRC publishes research on workplace harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission ("EHRC") has published new research into workplace harassment and effective measures to prevent it. The document is a summary of a more detailed report, based on a rapid evidence review in combination with interviews with academics and industry experts. The research looks at how workplace harassment can be identified, what its drivers are and the most effective interventions in changing workplace cultures associated with harassment. The summary concludes with a number of practical insights for organisations, including recommendations on:
- clarity of communication;
- the importance of training for leaders, middle managers and supervisors in reducing harassment;
- the importance of tailored and interactive training; and
- the need for both internal and external reporting routes for employees.
