What is the role of lay members of employment tribunals?

Consultant editor Darren Newman questions the wisdom behind the decision to add unfair dismissal to the list of jurisdictions to be heard by an employment judge sitting alone. 

• Darren Newman's perspective article When the reform was proposed, the response was largely negative, with respondents on both the employer and employee sides of the fence stressing the important contribution made by lay members to the perceived fairness of the system. 

Also

6 April changes to tribunal procedure Other changes to tribunal procedure in force from 6 April 2012 involve deposit and costs orders and witness statements.