Judicial Mediation Employer Advice

What is Judicial Mediation and when is it offered?

Judicial Mediation is a form of voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution arranged by the Employment Tribunal for existing claims. It involves bringing the parties together for mediation at a private Preliminary Hearing. The mediator is a trained Employment Judge who remains neutral and assists the parties in resolving their dispute.

The Tribunal will only offer this mediation service if the final hearing is listed for three days or more.

Is Judicial Mediation compulsory?

Judicial Mediation is a voluntary process and both parties have to agree to engage for it to be arranged by the Employment Tribunal.

From an employer’s point of view, it is a cost-effective way of trying to resolve their dispute at an early stage. This avoids extensive time and effort trying to comply with lengthy Case Management Directions. It also avoids the cost of the final hearing and a judgment which might adversely affect the reputation of your business.

Setting aside a full day to deal purely with settlement helps the parties focus on the issues and to better understand each other’s position.

The majority of Judicial Mediations reach a solution to end ongoing litigation on the day or shortly after.

Supporting Employers with Judicial Mediation

We can help you to understand the risks and cost of the Claimant making a successful claim in order to consider the level of financial settlement to offer.

We can represent you on the day and provide a settlement strategy so we can negotiate favourable final terms.

For expert advice on Judicial Mediation, contact our Employment Law Team on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.