New rules covering employment tribunals came into force on Sunday, with the aim of driving down the number of cases going to court.

Under the changes, employees will have to notify the conciliation service ACAS before progressing their case to see if the disagreement can be resolved.

It follows changes last year which lumped a fee on workers taking employers to court. This caused a near-80 per cent slide in the number of tribunals and was roundly criticised by trade unions.

Yesterday’s changes also mean that bosses will be fined if they lose a tribunal case.

According to ministers, the measures will make the process smoother and reduce stress, delays and costs.

In related news, the government on Friday launched an independent review into the role of employers and trade unions in industrial disputes.

The review will look at legal implications of alleged intimidation tactics used by unions and the role of employers.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said: “Trade unions can play a constructive role in the modern workplace, but allegations of union industrial intimidation tactics – which include attempts to sabotage business supply chains – are very serious and may be damaging our economy’s competitiveness, which would make our future less secure.”