HMCTS provides further update on new ET practice directions implementation

Article summary

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has announced a delay in the implementation of new Practice Directions for Employment Tribunals (ET) in England, Wales, and Scotland. In an email circulated to national user group members, HMCTS advised that the Practice Directions, originally scheduled to coincide with the ET Procedure Rules 2025 on 6 January 2025, are now expected in February 2025. The directions will introduce changes to the presentation of claims, responses, and statutory appeals, including restrictions on email submissions of ET3 response forms. Presidents Judge Clarke and Judge Walker reminded members that the existing Practice Directions on presentation of claims and the interim joint Practice Direction on the presentation of responses remain in force until the new ones take effect. A five-week grace period will follow the promulgation of the new Practice Direction, during which professional representatives are strongly encouraged to register for the MyHMCTS service.