The government has published a new guidance document for tribunal users explaining the powers available to employment tribunals, with examples illustrating how these powers have been used. Either party in the tribunal (the employer or employee) can request the use of the powers. The guidance includes:

• an outline of the purpose and limits of the powers


• an explanation of how to ask tribunals to make use of the powers


• evidence that poor behaviour or conduct in bringing or defending a claim or response can have financial consequences.

The tribunal currently has the power to make deposit orders, costs/preparation time orders and wasted costs orders. It also has powers relating to employment law breach, including to impose an aggravated breach financial penalty on an employer and to make an adjustment to an award of compensation for a breach by either party of the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.