This was a response to what Morton Fraser predict will be changing demand for how disputes are resolved, which has been accelerated by the current pandemic. Morton Fraser hosted the launch of Scottish Mediation's 'Mediation Charter' at their offices earlier this year and see this as a natural step in raising the profile of mediation in Scotland whilst responding to what they see as a particular demand in the current environment, especially when it is taking longer for Employment Tribunal claims to reach a full hearing.

Innes Clark, who leads the Employment Team at Morton Fraser said: "We believe that, in a world where technology delivers services instantly, there will be demand for resolving disputes quickly and without incurring the cost of traditional litigation. The pandemic has taught us that so much can be achieved online in a way that is not only acceptable, but in some cases preferable. So we have adapted to meet that demand and I am delighted that we are launching this online service"

It is widely acknowledged that mediation can offer outcomes which traditional litigation methods cannot achieve. Parties have the flexibility to say what is important to them, and decide what the desired outcome might be, instead of having a result imposed upon them. The online mediation service comes at a time when many employers and employees cannot afford the cost and time involved in the traditional Employment Tribunal route.

David Hossack, one of the most experienced mediators in Scotland and an accredited specialist in employment law, who leads this service, said: "These are challenging times. Any individual with an employment dispute will know that this involves much time and energy, when they may just want to draw a line under the past. Likewise, employers may wish to resolve a dispute early so that time can be better spent. If we can offer a service which allows people and business to move on quickly, this is likely to have benefits both from a wellbeing and economic perspective."