Review into the impact of Employment Tribunal fees

12 June 2015

When fees were introduced in the Employment Tribunals in July 2013, the government made a commitment to review their impact.

The government has announced the start of the review which will consider how effective the introduction of fees has been at meeting the original objectives, while maintaining access to justice.

The original objectives were:

• to transfer some of the cost from the taxpayer to those who use the service, where they can afford to do so
• to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution services, for example, ACAS conciliation
• to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the tribunal.

The review will also consider the effectiveness of the new fee remissions scheme, which was introduced in October 2013.

The review will also take into account a wide range of evidence. Follow this link for further details.

The review is expected to be completed later in the year and government will consult on any proposals for reforms to the fees and remissions scheme.

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The TUC has welcomed the announcement that there will be a review but warned that it must not be a “political stitch-up”.

New figures published by the Ministry of Justice show that the number of single employment tribunal claims brought by individuals between January and March 2015 was 25 per cent lower than over same period in 2014. The figures also show that single claims are 69 per cent lower than they were between January and March 2013 – shortly before employment fees were introduced.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Tribunal fees have been a gift for Britain’s worse bosses allowing many to flout the law. Charging people up to £1,200 to pursue a claim has priced thousands out of justice and ruined lives.

Women and the lowest paid have been the worst affected. Individual claims are still falling and are 69 per cent down on their total before fees were first introduced.

This review is a welcome, if long overdue, announcement. However, it must not shy away from telling hard truths. It has to be transparent and prepared to recommend abolishing the current system.

If it all it does is come up with half-measures then it is likely to be viewed by many as a political stitch-up. Tribunal fees need to be scrapped urgently.”