GOVERNMENT proposals are in place which could tackle the rise in applications to employment tribunals.

The move follows a campaign by Chambers of Commerce, and represents a victory for them.

Changes will ensure that employees follow internal grievance procedures before taking an employer to a tribunal.

The reforms, published in last month's employment bill, will help to combat the effects of the previous system which inflicted spiralling financial costs and gave employees nothing to lose as many as were involved in 'no win no fee' situations.

Colin Daniels, chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which took part in the campaign, welcomed the proposed changes.

He said : "These proposals will help businesses to help themselves by ensuring that they follow good practice in their employment relations. They will lead to a level playing field, ensuring a fairer tribunal system for employers and employees, and help to cut back on the rapid growth of cases in recent years. It is also in the best interests of small employers to embrace these procedures, as they often lose unfair dismissal cases because they have no procedures in place. We are delighted that the government has responded positively to pressure from the Chambers".