Employment tribunal appointments

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointments. Those chosen are not typically lawyers but provide the workplace experience of disciplinary issues and dispute resolution on which the Tribunal Service depends.

The new appointees in Yorkshire will sit in Leeds.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "Employment tribunals are a cornerstone of the civil justice system, and these new members will play a vital role in helping deliver justice for employers and employees alike.

"They have been chosen because they demonstrated the qualities that have underpinned the employment tribunal system since its creation, a passion for justice and fair play, a commitment to public service, and the ability to leave their preconceptions at the door."

Kevin Sadler, chief executive of the Tribunals Service, said: "Employment tribunals have been under pressure in the last year, as we would expect in more difficult economic conditions.

"But the Tribunals Service is coping well with the higher workload and we have significantly increased the number of cases of which we have successfully disposed.

"These new panel members will help to ensure each case is fair and unbiased by providing added insight into employee/employer relations."