Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley last week called on the UK Government to extend the time-limit for a tribunal claim to be submitted from three to six months.

Leading for the SNP at Women and Equalities Questions, Angela highlighted the need for a review of the tribunal system’s waiting times in order to remove further barriers to justice, particularly for women that have been victim of pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

The local MP’s call follows the Supreme Court ruling that tribunal fees are unlawful and that all of those who paid court costs should be refunded.

Commenting, Angela said:

“The UK Government were forced into an embarrassing climb-down following the Supreme Court ruling last year.

“While the removal of fees is welcome, the tribunal service needs further reform if we are serious about removing barriers to justice.

“Last year the Women and Equalities Select Committee recommended that the deadline for submitting tribunal claims should be extended from three to six months, however the Government have yet to act.

“People that have been victim of an unscrupulous employer are being timed out of justice – the Government should extend the deadline for tribunal claims and remove further unnecessary barriers.”