Employment Tribunal Fees – Now a thing of the past.
Following a Supreme Court ruling in July 2017 fees for employment tribunal claims have been ruled unlawful, and resulting in the the government now having to repay up to £32m to claimants.
The government introduced fees of up to £1,200 in 2013, which it said would cut the number of malicious and weak cases.
Government statistics showed 79% fewer cases were brought over three years – trade union Unison said the fees prevented workers accessing justice.
Since July 2013, workers in the UK have been charged a fee to bring a claim to tribunal, a further fee if the claim is heard and another charge if they want to appeal the decision.
Following their introduction, Unison fought unsuccessfully to have employment tribunal fees ruled unlawful in two High Court challenges and in the Court of Appeal. Unison appealed a final time to the Supreme Court, which heard the case on 27 and 28 March 2017. The outcome being announced in July 2017.
Unison argued that fees made it “virtually impossible or excessively difficult” for some individuals to exercise their employment rights.
Following the abolition of employment tribunal fees an employer is now at greater risk of claim, and therefore should ensure all their documentation and processes are up to date. Also relevant management training is a serious consideration.
For further advice, you can contact us at Atom HR for peace of mind.
Ivan Spibey