Employment Tribunal Fees

This week marks almost three months since the abolition of employment tribunal fees. For those who missed it, the ruling followed Unison’s arduous and multi-year appeal against the government’s decision to impose tribunal fees on employees issuing tribunal proceedings. Unison, having had their case rejected at every level, finally succeeded in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s decision, which sent shockwaves through the spine of the legal profession as well as around society, held that the government’s decision to charge fees was unlawful and needed to be abolished. Immediately after the decision, the Employment Tribunal halted receiving payment of fees.

Even to this day, fees have been indefinitely halted. This has affected the ability of claimants to bring claims online (as the IT system underwent ‘maintenance’ for a period).

Under Labour, there had been no fees for issuing a claim but this changed when austerity arrived and the Conservative government introduced fees. The decision is huge and has many ramifications for the Justice system.

Dominic Raab, Minister of State for Courts & Justice, was apologetic for the interference caused to users who had been affected. He maintained that the government was looking at the issue seriously and looking for ways to resolve any funding issues.

The abolition of fees does leave a funding gap for the Justice department. The cost last year of funding employment tribunals was £68,000,000, of which £8,000,000 came from tribunal fees. With all expenditure now under scrutiny, it does beg the question which part of the Justice Department’s budget will be reduced in order to pave way for the increased costs which will be incurred. As lawyers, we’ll leave that to be answered by the politicians.

If, in the meantime, you require any advice on employment matters, call our Employment Tribunal Solicitors, John Porter and Soibi Iketubosin on 0161 624 6811 or email jap@wrigleyclaydon.com or si@wrigleyclaydon.com.

Bio
Latest Posts

John Porter

John has been with Wrigley Claydon for over 20 years, becoming a partner in 1995. Specialising in Employment Law, John helps clients with matters including the preparation of recruitment policies and employment contracts as well as advocating in employment tribunals in cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination. He also has considerable experience of dealing with landlord and tenant disputes and matters relating to business and company sales, commercial investment property transactions and lettings as well as residential estate and offshore property developments. “I know I’ve done a good job when the business doesn’t need me!” John is never happier than when spending time with his wife and 2 children, Lucy and Alex. John is Chair of Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA) and a board member of First Choice Homes Oldham. In his spare time, John is likely to be found either reading, cooking or walking Donnie the Golden Retriever.