TRIBUNAL FEES INTRODUCED FOR EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

Fees to bring an employment tribunal have been introduced with charges for those wanting to raise a claim starting at £160, rising to £250 depending on what the nature of the claim is, as reported earlier this week and featured in today’s ENforbusiness.com

Once a claim has been lodged further fees of between £230 and £950 will be charged. The higher charges will be for claims including unfair dismissal, whistle blowing and discrimination.

Employers will have to pay various fees such as £600 for judicial mediation and smaller fees for reviews and applications for dismissal.

If either party wants to appeal a decision, there will be further fees occurred at that stage.

A spokesperson from law firm Pinsent Masons said that the new fees may lead to a reduction in the number of claims received but it may also mean that employees will expect any settlement to include a reimbursement of any fees paid.

However, the new fees have not been welcomed by all.

Len McCluskey, general secretary at Unite union, said the Government has taken a “sledgehammer to workers’ rights”.

“Seeking redress for unfair dismissal and discrimination and other injustices in the workplace is a fundamental human right – but now ministers are putting up insurmountable financial hurdles for working people in pursuit of justice.

“We estimate that this will affect 150,000 workers a year. This is not an aid to economic recovery but a means to keep working people frightened and insecure,” he added.

A new cap of £74,200, or one year’s gross pay on unfair dismissal awards has also been introduced and will apply to claims where the effective date of termination is after 29 July.

By Kirsty Hewitt – ENforbusiness