Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 12 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2004. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Monday, 18 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many cases are waiting to be heard at industrial tribunal; what the average waiting time is; and what steps the Government is taking to reduce waiting times. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases are waiting to be heard at industrial tribunal; what the average waiting time is; and what steps the Government are taking to reduce waiting times. [191274] Mr. Sutcliffe: As at the end of August 2004, 109,535 cases were waiting to be heard at the Employment Tribunals. I regret that it is not possible to provide information on the average current waiting time. However, as at the end of August 2004 the year to date performance against the Employment Tribunals Service performance target of 75 per cent. of single Employment Tribunal cases to a first hearing within 26 week of receipt is 84 per cent. There are no plans at present to refocus resources in order to increase performance against this target.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c448W; 191274
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Administrative delays Employment Employment Tribunals Service Standards Tribunals
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk