13 October 2025
The last Conservative governments, under Rishi Sunak, started to explore the possibility or reintroducing tribunal fees. More recently there has been speculation that the current government will be moving forward with those plans.
However, it has now been confirmed by David Lammy, the justice secretary, that such plans are not in process. He said:
“It’s a fundamental principle that everyone, no matter their income, should be able to get access to justice to challenge unfair behaviour at work. It’s not just a basic right, it’s also fundamental to this government’s plan to make work pay. That’s why it will remain free to bring a case to an employment tribunal, ensuring everyone, no matter their means, can stand up for their rights at work.”
With increased worker protections which could result in more unfair dismissal claims, there are concerns that the tribunal system will be under more pressure. The consultation from last year proposed a £55 fee upon lodging a claim and aimed to reduce the burden on the system by claims that had a higher level of risk. The proposed fees were lower than the previous fees which saw claimants paying up to £1,600 before they were deemed unlawful by the supreme court.
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