15/09/2026
UK employment tribunal claims reached a record high in early 2026:
New Claims: The Employment Tribunal received 11,857 single claims in Q1 2026 (January–March), marking a 58% increase year-on-year. In Q2 2026 (April–June), receipts reached 14,000 single claims.
The Backlog: Total open claims across the system reached 531,000 by mid-2026. Open single claims alone stood at 64,000 to 70,000, driven by a faster rate of incoming cases compared to disposals.
Common Claim Types
Unfair Dismissal: Accounts for roughly 23% of all claims (found in 51% of new claim allegations).
Disability Discrimination: Makes up around 16% of claims, showing a 79% year-on-year increase.
Wage Disputes: Unlawful deduction from wages comprises about 13% of claims.
Fastest Growing: TUPE-related claims surged by 227%, National Minimum Wage claims rose by 122%, and whistleblowing claims increased by 112%.
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