Tribunal Claim Fees

Fees for lodging employment tribunal claims will be introduced with the intention of passing the cost burden from tax payers to the users of the system and to deter vexatious claims. There is a fear, however, that the introduction of a fee could be a barrier to employees seeking to legitimately protect their employment rights.

Fewer details were provided in relation to this measure in Mr Osborne’s speech but the BBC has reported that consultation on the level of fees will begin in November with a view to implementation in April 2013. However the following figures have been mentioned as the likely basis for such charges:

• Upfront fee of £250 when lodging a tribunal claim
• Further fee of £1,000 payable by Claimant when the hearing is listed
• Higher fees if the claim is for over £30,000
• Fee to be refunded if Claimant wins, and forfeited if they lose; and
• Fees to be waived for those who are low paid or without an income.

Reaction to the introduction of these measures has been mixed, with a conflict of opinion between those supporting the changes as a positive means of encouraging recruitment and reducing the burden on businesses, and those who feel that these measures provide insufficient protection for employees.

Source Brabners Chaffe Street