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UK Government Considering Re-introducing Employment Tribunal fees
January 29, 2024
By Owen John
Between 2013 and 2017, individual Claimants had to pay to lodge claims in the Employment Tribunal. These fees included issue fees of between £160 and £230 and hearing fees of £950 to £1,200. The fee structure however was outlawed in 2017 after the Supreme Court ruled that it was unlawful and harmed access to justice.
The latest move from the Government is to propose a flat fee of £55 for all new claims being lodged. This much lower flat fee is less likely to be seen as unlawful or harming access to justice.
The re-introduction of fees will however give employers hope that some individuals will be put off bringing claims. The last time fees were in place between 2013 and 2017, there was a significant drop in the number of Employment Tribunal claims lodged. Whilst the drop is likely to be less significant this time around, the development is still likely to have an effect on the numbers.
It’s proposed that there will be a fee remission system in place for those who genuinely can’t afford to pay the fees.
Watch this space as this story develops.
If you have an employment law related query, please contact a member of our employment team, Owen John, on 02920 829 118 or ojohn@darwingray.com.
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