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| Rise in sex discrimination claims | Rise in sex discrimination claims |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The tribunal system which deals with sex discrimination cases is close to breaking point, the Equal Opportunities Commission has warned. | The tribunal system which deals with sex discrimination cases is close to breaking point, the Equal Opportunities Commission has warned. |
| It says the system is dealing with an unprecedented rise in claims. | It says the system is dealing with an unprecedented rise in claims. |
| More women are willing to challenge their pay because of the "no-win, no-fee" offers from lawyers, it says. | More women are willing to challenge their pay because of the "no-win, no-fee" offers from lawyers, it says. |
| The number of cases more than doubled between 2005 and 2006 to over 44,000 - and a backlog of thousands more is waiting to be assessed. | The number of cases more than doubled between 2005 and 2006 to over 44,000 - and a backlog of thousands more is waiting to be assessed. |
| Most cases involve local authorities but the commission says the private sector is just as vulnerable to claims. | Most cases involve local authorities but the commission says the private sector is just as vulnerable to claims. |
| It warns that "no win no fee" lawyers will continue to fuel the number of women challenging employers. | It warns that "no win no fee" lawyers will continue to fuel the number of women challenging employers. |
| Breathing space | Breathing space |
| The commission suggests a new system in which employers agree to check their pay system for discrimination to ensure sure it is fair. | The commission suggests a new system in which employers agree to check their pay system for discrimination to ensure sure it is fair. |
| In return they would get breathing space, a period of two to three years where they would not have to face any individual pay claims. | In return they would get breathing space, a period of two to three years where they would not have to face any individual pay claims. |
| The Commission's chairwoman, Jenny Watson, said: "We would like to see employers earn some legal protection. | The Commission's chairwoman, Jenny Watson, said: "We would like to see employers earn some legal protection. |
| "So in return for accepting a legal obligation to check their pay systems for discrimination and if they find a problem, putting in place a robust action plan to tackle it, we think they should get some breathing space. | "So in return for accepting a legal obligation to check their pay systems for discrimination and if they find a problem, putting in place a robust action plan to tackle it, we think they should get some breathing space. |
| "Some protected period for transitional arrangements to put the problem right, so for two or three years for example they would not be able to face individual pay claims." | "Some protected period for transitional arrangements to put the problem right, so for two or three years for example they would not be able to face individual pay claims." |
| Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and Minister for Women, Harriet Harman, said she was determined to improve the situation. | |
| "Above all we've got to have fairness and equality for women at work, but we've also got to make sure that the public sector, many of whom owe a great deal in back pay, can manage their budgets, can provide fairness in the back pay, but also continue to provide good public services." |