Law Society welcomes Fair Work Agency but employment tribunal delays remain a concern
07 Apr 2026
2 minutes read
News
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the launch of the Fair Work Agency today (7 April) designed to support both workers and employers.
However, the Law Society remains concerned about the ongoing and significant backlog of the employment tribunal system and how the new agency will be equipped to tackle it.
As a single, centralised hub, the Fair Work Agency brings together existing labour market enforcement bodies under one roof improving consistency and efficiency.
While the agency’s stronger powers and clearer guidance are positive steps forward, seamless coordination between the agency and existing tribunals is key to ensure timely access to justice.
Recent figures show that the employment tribunal caseload has hit a record high with the number of outstanding cases continuing to rise month on month.*
It is important to understand what level of funding, staffing and operational resource is planned for the Fair Work Agency. It must be able to meet its enforcement objectives effectively from the outset and over time to bring down the unacceptable backlog that affects so many people trapped in employment tribunals.
Law Society vice president of England and Wales, Brett Dixon, said: “The new Fair Work Agency can strengthen compliance across the labour market and provide greater clarity for both workers and employers.
“However, people trapped in employment tribunals continue to face significant and damaging delays. The agency must coordinate closely with them, so employment rights are a level playing field for everyone.
“Clear information on funding, staffing and operational capacity will also be essential to ensure the Fair Work Agency can meet its objectives to support all workers and employers alike. It is instrumental for the UK economy in an increasingly competitive world.”
*There were 523,000 open cases at the end of December last year, up from 467,000 the previous year, an increase of 11%. See the latest Employment Tribunal statistics.
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