Law Society of England and Wales: employment tribunal fees have limited access to justice

Employment tribunal fees have undermined access to justice, the Law Society of England and Wales said on the two-year anniversary of their introduction.

Employment tribunal cases have fallen by over 60 per cent in the two years since substantial charges were introduced for people wishing to bring a case against an employer, Ministry of Justice statistics reveal.

Employment tribunal fees were intended to transfer costs of running the employment tribunal system to users and to encourage employers and employees to resolve disputes without going to tribunal.

However, people who have just lost their jobs and are facing financial uncertainty are unable to pay levies of up to £1200.

Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said: “The £1,200 that a claimant must now pay for most types of cases is close to the average monthly salary, putting a tribunal well beyond the reach of many people, particularly those on lower incomes.

“The Law Society welcomes and will be contributing to the Justice Committee’s recently announced inquiry into the impact of court and tribunal fees.

“Everyone needs employment tribunals that are fair and affordable. They must work for both employers and employees.”