The number of employment tribunals being brought in the UK is soaring, but is yet to hit its peak.
Legal expenses insurer, DAS, said the latest research shows the number of claims rose by more than a third in 2005 to 2006, up to 115,039 from 86,181 in 2004-5.
Meanwhile the number of jurisdictions, where the tribunal found grounds for complaint, reached a record 201,514.
Race discrimination claims were up 23%, sex discrimination claims were up 20%, and, predicted DAS, there will be a further surge when age discrimination becomes illegal in October.
“If government estimates on next year's age claims were to be factored into this year's figures, we would have seen a 28% increase in discrimination claims”, said Victoria Scott, DAS head of Claims. “This makes worrying reading for employers and their HR departments.”
