Supreme Court rules that employment tribunal fees are unlawful

Today, the Supreme Court ruled that fees paid by claimants to launch employment cases in employment tribunals are unlawful, and the government will now have to repay up to £32 million to claimants. The Ministry of Justice said the government would take immediate steps to stop charging and refund payments.

Fees for bringing claims in the employment tribunal ranged from £390 to £1,200. Discrimination cases cost more for claimants because of the complexity and time hearings took. The Supreme Court found this was indirectly discriminatory because a higher proportion of women would bring discrimination cases.

As a result of this fee increase the number of cases brought to the tribunals was reduced by 80%.

Justice Minister Dominic Raab said the government would cease taking fees for employment tribunals "immediately" and begin the process of reimbursing claimants, dating back to 2013. 

Employment Barrister - myBarrister

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