Tynwald is to be asked to support the appointment of a permanent figurehead for employment tribunals.
Tanya August-Hanson MLC will seek members’ support for her motion when Tynwald returns from its summer hols.
Employment tribunals have grown in prominence in recent years, with the notable case Dr Rosalind Ranson who was awarded more than £3m after she was unfairly dismissed from her role as the island’s medical director.
A review of the current set up by Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee, which Ms August-Hanson chairs, found that the appointment of chairpeople on an ad-hoc basis is “inordinate in cost, not fit for purpose, and requires re-evaluation”.
a very significant part of our justice framework
First Deemster Andrew Corlett
This followed the Richard Wright KC review which said it was an “opportune moment for the Isle of Man to consider the argument for appointing a full time professional judge to chair the tribunal”.
The committee believes that the appointment of a full-time chair would both save money and deliver a better service.
First Deemster Andrew Corlett noted in his submission that tribunals have “now become a very significant part of our justice framework”.
He added: “In particular the growth over the last few years in the nature and complexity of employment and equality law enacted by Tynwald has led and will continue to lead, to a very significant increase in workload which will require further investment and probably the recruitment of a permanent judicial officer to chair the Tribunal.”
Independence
However, the Appointments Commission, said that the creation of the post could be seen as “lacking the independence from government and the departments and not have the flexibility required for multi tribunals”.
It said a panel of legal practitioners who fulfil the role for different panels could be a better system.
The Department of Home Affairs has indicated it would support a judge-led approach, whereby the judge would act as Chair of Isle of Man tribunals, supported by lay specialists, with oversight provided by the First Deemster.
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