Employment Tribunal statistics

Did you know the Ministry of Justice publish quarterly statistics for all tribunals? You can see the latest Employment tribunal statics here:  Employment Tribunal statistics for October to December 2025 (Q3 2025/26), and they continue to demonstrate that the system is under sustained and growing pressure.

Current backlog

At the end of December 2025, there were 523,000 open claims in the employment tribunal system. This is a rise of around 12% compared to the same time in 2024, when the figure stood at 467,000. The number of single claims (those brought by one employee against one employer) reached 58,000. That surpasses the previous peak of 44,000 recorded in Q3 of 2020/21 and represents a 49% increase in just twelve months. This is the third consecutive quarter in which that peak has been exceeded.

The disposal rate is interesting too. During the same quarter, employment tribunals received 13,000 single claims and disposed of just 5,700. On the multiple claims side, 590 lead cases were received, but only 340 were disposed of. With each lead case covering numerous individual claimants, the gap between what comes in and what gets resolved is large. The total open caseload for multiple claims alone stood at 466,000 at the end of December 2025.

What types of claims are increasing?

Across all claim types, employment tribunals received 23,000 claims in Q3 2025/26, a fall of approximately 12% compared to the same quarter the year before. Of those, 58% were single claims, and 42% were multiple claims. Three claim types accounted for just over half of all jurisdictional receipts:

• Unfair dismissal: approximately 24%
• Disability discrimination: approximately 15%
• Unauthorised deductions from wages: approximately 13%

Employment Tribunal claims made up 19% of all tribunal receipts across England and Wales during the quarter.

Some key sections of the Employment Rights Act 2025 have now been implemented and its reforms are expected to lead to a significant increase in tribunal claims as new rights kick in and employees test them. The government has not yet clearly set out how the tribunal system will absorb that additional demand. Delays in getting claims heard remain a serious concern, and these figures suggest that the situation is not likely to improve without specific action. 

If you have received a tribunal claim or are concerned about how your employer has treated you, please get in touch and see how our employment team can help on 01635 896 336 or email employment@fentonelliott.co.uk

Disclaimer: This summary is for general awareness and insight, not legal or professional advice and readers should seek professional advice for their situation.