In an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill published yesterday, the government confirmed its plans to extend the time limit for bringing tribunal claims from three to six months.
The change marks a victory for UNISON, who have lobbied for this extension for a number of years.
Currently, tribunal claims need to be brought within three months of the act complained of – this includes cases of dismissal, discrimination and unlawful deduction of wages.
Head of UNISON’s legal services team Shantha David said: “UNISON has championed and campaigned for more time to resolve employment disputes, and we welcome the Government’s proposals to double the time in which to bring tribunal claims.
“This is a meaningful change that will allow workers and employers more time to resolve disputes and avoid long, protracted legal claims in an already burdened tribunal system.”
This landmark change to the tribunal system also fulfils a key election pledge, which Labour promised to deliver if they came into power.
Last year, Anneliese Dodds MP, now Minister for Women and Equalities, said that this measure would combat the “motherhood penalty”, by giving pregnant women who experience discrimination more time to assert their rights.
According to government research, one in nine women have been fired or made redundant when they returned to work after having a child, or were treated so badly they felt forced out of their job.
UNISON continues to closely engage with the Employment Rights Bill as it moves through parliament. And yesterday, the union’s director of political strategy and transformation, Maggi Ferncombe, gave evidence to the bill committee.
