Employment tribunal fees a 'victory for worst bosses'

The introduction of fees for bringing an employment tribunal case has been a "huge victory" for Britain's worst bosses, leading to a collapse in the number of claims, the Trades Union Congress has said.

The TUC said women and low-paid workers had been the worst affected since the government brought in fees of up to £1,200 a year ago.

The total number of claims fell by 79 per cent between October and December last year, the first full quarter after fees were brought in. In the January-March period they were down 59 per cent on a year earlier.

The TUC said in a study there had been an 80 per cent drop in the number of women bringing sex discrimination claims, while cases of unpaid wages and holiday pay were down by 85 per cent.

But Shailesh Vara, justice minister, said: "It cannot be right that hardworking taxpayers should pick up the bill for employment disputes in tribunals. It is reasonable to expect people to pay towards the £74m bill taxpayers' face for providing the service.

"But it is important to emphasise that the government has been very careful in ensuring that those who have limited means have fee waivers and are not excluded from seeking redress in tribunals."

Since July 2013, workers must pay to lodge a claim against an employer, a further fee when it is heard and a third charge if they want to appeal against a decision.

For discrimination and dismissal cases, it costs £250 to issue a claim and another £950 to proceed to a hearing. For simpler cases, such as for wage deductions or refusals to allow time off, the fees are £160 for a claim and £230 for a hearing.

Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary, said: "By charging upfront fees for harassment and abuse claims the government has made it easier for bad employers to get away with the most appalling behaviour.

"Tribunal fees are part of a wider campaign to get rid of workers' basic rights. The consequence has been to price low-paid and vulnerable people out of justice."

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