Analysis of HM Courts and Tribunals data suggests that the significant problems in the employment tribunal system are getting worse.

The latest data, for the first quarter between April and June, shows that the open caseload of single claims was 18% higher than in the same period last year. The total number of single claims and lead cases in multiple claims was just under 44,000, also 18% higher than in 2023.

While the number of single claims received has increased, the number disposed of in the quarter was down 4% year-on-year. Case disposals for the entire 2023/24 reporting year were 6% lower than for 2022/23.

Andy Talbot, director of marketing, ATE and broker at ARAG said people rarely see the impact these delays have on both the workers involved and the businesses.

“Having such claims hanging over SMEs is particularly difficult, as it creates huge uncertainty, can makes bosses hesitant to invest elsewhere in the business and can discourage further recruitment," he said. “Businesses need a functioning tribunal system to settle these disputes swiftly and individuals shouldn’t be having to wait up to two years for an issue with a former employer to be resolved.”

Minutes published following a meeting in April of the Employment Tribunals National User Group suggest that longer hearings in the London South region were being listed for the first half of 2026, meaning waiting times of up to two years.

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