They show that compared to the same period a year ago, for the period April 2024-March 2025:

• Single Employment Tribunal (ET) receipts increased by 23% – 42,000 claims were received
• Single ET disposals rose by 6%
• Single ET Open caseload stood at 45,000 – an increase of 32%, as receipts have exceeded disposals over the last year
• Multiple ET claim receipts increased by 23%
• Multiple ET disposals fell by 49% compared to 2024/25
• Multiple ET receipts exceeded disposals, resulting in a 9% rise in open caseload to 446,000 open cases
• Four jurisdictions make up the majority of claims – 60% of claims: Unfair dismissal amounted to 22% of those claims, Breach of Contract (14%), Disability discrimination (13%) and Unauthorised deductions (12%).

Ellie Rogers, associate solicitor at Constantine Law, said: “The working caseload statistics are telling – a 32% and 9% increase in single and multiple ET claims. Disability discrimination claims are also cited as being disproportionately high in number, perhaps due to their relative complexity.

“In March 2025, the Employment Lawyers Association highlighted the inadequate funding of the Tribunal system, together with inconsistent practices between Tribunals as being a huge factor in the backlog. Many of claims take two years plus to reach a full merits hearing. The road to justice is incredibly slow.”

Rogers went on to say: “The ET system is creaking, and it is expected to get worse. This is particularly so, as the job market has tightened following the increase of employer National Insurance Contributions and the contraction of the economy. The Employment Rights Bill will also likely have an impact – unfair dismissal rights are likely to become a day one right from autumn 2026 (to be confirmed). Further, the ET limitation period will be extended from three to six months. New rights will undoubtedly lead to increased claims and a system under even more pressure.”

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