ACAS has now published its annual report for 2008 and 2009 and this shows a rise in the number of unfair dismissal claims that ACAS attributes to the recession.

The number of claims that included unfair dismissal increased from 33,352 last year to 43,028 which is a jump of 29%.

Simon Thomas, partner specialising in employment law, comments “It is unsurprising that unfair dismissal claims have increased as ACAS has reported because there has been a great deal of pressure put upon the relationship between employer and employee due to the current financial climate and this firm alone has seen an increase of around 50% in such claims being brought against employers.

Having said that, the recent relaxation in strict procedural requirements in grievance and disciplinary proceedings since April 2009 might have some impact in reducing the number of claims brought in the Employment Tribunals, but only time will tell.  We act for both employees and employers in employment litigation and we always emphasise the importance that legal advice should be taken at an early stage to prevent problems from reaching the Tribunal arena wherever possible”