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Law Society 'concerned' at tribunal news

Published on 8 Jul 2009 under category: legal

A legal group has voiced its concern over the government's plans for employment tribunals.

According to a spokesperson for the Law Society, proposals regarding damages based contingency fee arrangements must not be accepted without "full consultation", those specialising in workplace professional negligence cases may be interested to hear.

She said: "We agree that contingency fees give rise to a number of issues but they also provide significant access to justice for people who could not otherwise afford to bring claims."

The spokesperson added that the problems with this sector the government is trying to address could be "handled by improved enforcement of the existing rules", with an extension of some of the Claims Management Regulator's powers one possible measure suggested.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Justice tabled a new clause in the Coroners and Justice Bill which will give the Lord Chancellor the power to regulate the use of damages based fee contingencies.