There has been a “sudden” decline in the demand for employment lawyers, it has been reported, which may mean businesses are currently less likely to face an employment tribunal.

City AM reports that according to Contact Law, during the first nine months of 2009, there was a 77 per cent increase in demand for employment law professionals, but in November, a 7.4 per cent fall was noted.

The group asserts that during the beginning of the year the recession was fuelling this demand but that this appears to have peaked and now confidence is returning.

Managing director of the firm James Vintin said: “Demand for specialist employment lawyers has surged all this year. The impact of the recession provided fertile ground for disputes between employers and their staff.”

A recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that one in ten workers know someone from inside their company who has been the subject of disciplinary action or a dismissal following the work Christmas party.

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