Use of ADR in only 49 cases saves the government 2.5m

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has saved the government 2.5 million in legal costs over the last year, despite only being used in 49 cases, research has found.

Last year, all government departments signed up to the 'ADR pledge', committing themselves to using ADR 'in all suitable cases' and promising to include a clause in all standard contracts on the use of ADR.

According to research produced by the Lord Chancellor's Department, the majority of successful mediations were conducted by the National Health Service Litigation Authority, the body responsible for handling clinical negligence claims against the NHS.

A Lord Chancellor's Department spokeswoman said the saving was 'encouraging'.

She said many departments were implementing additional staff training in ADR methods.

Victoria MacCallum