House of Commons provides information about changes to tribunal fees

The House of Commons considered the fees for tribunals in June 2013 and said that the fees were not intended to deter individuals from bringing a claim.

This saw a decline in claims being brought of almost 70% from October 2013 to June 2015. This could be seen as good news for employers. The statistics since suggest this goes against the House of Commons intentions.

There was some discussion in December 2014 by the Labour Party about ensuring that workplace justice is accessible. A new review started in June 2015 will consider the amount of claims being brought, outcomes of cases and the fees involved. The courts welcomed this approach recently saying the decline in the number of claims ‘merits a very full and careful analysis of its causes’. There has been concerns raised that claims without merit continue and higher earners are more likely to progress employment claims.

Scotland has said it intends to abolish tribunal fees to ensure employees have a fair opportunity to have their case heard. It is hoped the position will be clarified by the end of 2015.

Keep up to date with the latest legal developments by following our Employment team on Twitter @brachers_emplaw.

This content is correct at time of publication