SCHEDULE 3THE EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS (EQUAL VALUE)COMPLEMENTARY RULES OF PROCEDUREFor use only in proceedings involving an equal value claim

PART Iordinary cases

Modification of rule 15 of Schedule 1

6.  In rule 15 of Schedule 1 (miscellaneous powers)—

(a)for paragraph (5) substitute—

(5) A tribunal may, before determining an application under rule 4 or rule 19, require the party making the application or, in the case of an application under rule 4(5A), the expert, to give notice of it to every other party (or, in the case of an application by the expert, to the parties and any other person on whom the tribunal is asked, in the application, to impose a requirement). The notice shall give particulars of the application and indicate the address to which and the time within which any objection to the application shall be made, being an address and time specified for the purposes of the application by the tribunal.; and

(b)after paragraph (6), insert—

(6A) Without prejudice to paragraph (7), the tribunal shall, before proceeding to hear the parties on an equal value claim, invite them to apply for an adjournment for the purpose of seeking to reach a settlement of the claim and shall, if both or all the parties agree to such a course, grant an adjournment for that purpose.

(6B) If, after the tribunal has adjourned the hearing under rule 10A(6) but before the tribunal has received the report of the expert, the applicant gives notice under paragraph (2)(a), the tribunal shall notify the expert that the requirement to prepare a report has ceased. The notice shall be without prejudice to the operation of rule 14(2A).