The Tribunals Service received 220,400 new claims in the second quarter of last year, from 1 July to 30 September 2010, representing an 11% increase over the same period in 2009, the latest available statistics have revealed.

However, the Service also increased the number of cases disposed of by 10% during the period, from around 157,900 in the second quarter of 2009/10 to 173,400 in the same period this year.

Some 60% of the outstanding caseload of 706,000 at 30 September 2010 related to multiple actions in employment tribunals. These are claims brought by a number of employees against a common employer, which are managed collectively by the tribunal because of their similarities. Recent multiple actions included claims arising out of insolvencies, such as that of Woolworths; equal pay cases against local authorities; and large-scale industrial disputes involving airlines and others.

Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) claims rose by 41% on the same quarter last year, while Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity Benefit appeals within the SSCS jurisdiction increased by 56%.

Tribunals Service chief executive Kevin Sadler said: ‘There is no doubt that tough economic conditions have added to our workload. We are continuing to work hard to divert every available resource to our frontline operations. We are increasing our judicial capacity through the recruitment of more judges and panel members; piloting holding hearings outside normal hours, such as evenings and weekends; maximising our administrative capacity to concentrate resources on case-working; and ensuring we make the best use of our estate.’