Access to Justice

Wednesday 05 March 2014

A one-day conference
The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
9.30am – 3.30pm

About the Conference

Workers’ access to justice in employment disputes is constantly under attack, an attack that has accelerated over the past two years. The Coalition Government’s employment law reforms will fundamentally change the policy and legal
framework for seeking justice through the employment tribunal system. This conference will examine the difficulties, challenges and possibilities of the UK’s systems for resolving employment disputes: the ‘forensic lottery’ of the unfair dismissal procedures; the role for Acas and others in mediation and conciliation; the very particular crisis for employment rights in times of austerity; and the choices faced by an employment tribunal system at the crossroads.

The conference will tell a compelling story about the shortcomings of the present system for employees, the particular difficulties for workers not represented by lawyers, and the dangers of the current and proposed changes to employee rights and employment relations.

Many of the barristers, academics and practitioners speaking at the event have contributed to a research project organised by Bristol and Strathclyde universities which looked at the ways in which workers unable to afford legal representation, attempt to resolve employment disputes. The research has culminated in a book published by the Institute entitled ‘Access to justice in employment disputes: surveying the terrain‘, which will be available for sale at this event.

This conference will continue the research and collaboration between advice organisations, trades unionists and academics in supporting workers in employment disputes and making public the need for policy changes to support citizens’ rights. The conference will provide an opportunity for trade union members, academics and lawyers to look at the changes to the employment tribunal system and the implications of the diminishing opportunities for workers
to resolve employment disputes through recourse to the law.

Cost

A discount is available to those who pay upfront (before the date of the conference) either online or by cheque. Those who pay by invoice will pay full price.

Location

The Adelphi Hotel

Ranelagh Place

Liverpool
L3 5UL

Additional Information

Click here for information on how to book, who should attend and CPD, NPP and EPP Accreditation

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Three easy ways to book your place

1. Book online with Paypal or a credit/debit card
   

   Please select the appropriate option from below

   IER subscriber £75.00 GBPTrade union member £90.00 GBPCommercial £220.00 GBPStudent/unwaged £25.00 GBP

   Delegate name(s):

   Name of union/organisation:

   

2. Book by cheque by filling out our booking form and returning it in the post
3. Book by invoice by filling out our booking form and returning it in the post

Speakers

Chaired by Carolyn Jones, Director of the Institute of Employment Rights

Nicole Busby, University of Strathclyde
Employment Disputes: surveying the terrain

David Renton, Garden Court Chambers
Justice Deferred: the impact of the Coalition’s Tribunal reforms?

Prof Bryan Clark, University of Strathclyde
Mediation and employment disputes

Shantha David, UNISON
Trade unions and the struggle to achieve access to justice

Jennifer Eady QC, Old Square Chambers
Employment disputes: view from a mediator

Victoria Phillips, Thompsons Solicitors
What’s confidential about pre-termination negotiations?

Morag McDermont, University of Bristol
The future of employment dispute resolution

Click here to download the full programme