Once again, we see a headline reminding us that employers can face unlimited payouts in discrimination cases. Yet many similar cases show that early action taken by the employer could have resolved the dispute and prevented it going to tribunal.

Against a background of economic stagnation and shrinking public sector budgets, mediation is bucking the trend, with more people than ever taking up mediation training. And while the legal system is embracing the change, many of the new breed of mediators come from outside the law profession.

A Polish female doctor has been awarded nearly £4.5m in compensation after a tribunal found she had been subjected to sex and race discrimination.

This is an example of the potentially high cost of not addressing workplace conflict effectively at an early stage, particularly when allegations of discrimination are involved where there is no upper limit on payouts.

This recent headline reminds us how neighbourhood and community disputes can escalate out of control, sometimes with tragic results. Yet many of these disputes – even where violence is threatened or alleged - could be resolved quickly and effectively with the help of community mediation.

New Year is the peak time for couples to consider divorce or separation - but Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly is encouraging families to consider mediation as an alternative to going to court.