UK Government plans to introduce fees for taking claims to employment tribunals and Employment Appeals Tribunals have incurred the wrath of the Law Society, which says they will create a barrier to justice.
The proposed fees are intended to transfer the costs of running the employment tribunal system to users and to encourage employers and employees to resolve disputes without going to tribunal.
Despite it including a fee remission and waiver system for those unable to pay, similar to that used in the courts, Law Society President John Wotton says the scheme will undermine access to justice.
‘Many people who have just lost their job and are facing financial uncertainty will be unable to pay fees of between £150 and £1250. The inevitable effect of introducing fees will be to deny such people the right to have their case heard in a tribunal. Access to justice in employment matters will be confined to those with the means to afford these fees.
