A new framework for the case management of claims with common issues of fact or law was introduced in the UK in 2000, in the form of group litigation orders (GLOs). These essentially dictate the grouping of similar claims, the selection of a test claimant(s), the staying of the other claims pending determination of the test claim and the sharing of costs among all the claimants.
They enable individuals and companies with a common complaint to pool funds for a single litigation effort. Each claimant must still bring proceedings individually at the outset, but the Law Society will help put potential claimants in touch with other parties who may be interested in applying for a GLO.
