A form of alternative dispute resolution, judicial mediation involves an employment judge acting as an impartial mediator and helping the parties find an acceptable solution without having to go to a full hearing.

It involves bringing the parties together in an informal, private and confidential way.

Noel Kelly, president of the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal, said: “This scheme will offer claimants the opportunity to sit down with their employers and a specially trained employment judge, in an informal space, and attempt to resolve the employment dispute without the need for long, protracted and often stressful litigation.

“It is hoped that the scheme will be as effective as it has been in England, Wales and Scotland where over 65 per cent of cases mediated reached a successful settlement on the day of mediation.”