Government pushes ahead with fees for job tribunals

The government pressed ahead with plans to charge people to bring a claim to an employment tribunal yesterday, suggesting fees of between £150 and £1,750.

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said fees would discourage “unmerited and unnecessary” claims and relieve pressure on taxpayers, who footed an £84 million bill last year for tribunals.

A consultation was announced on two options – an initial fee of between £150 and £250, with an additional charge of between £250 and £1,250 if a claim goes to a hearing, with no limit to the maximum award, or a fee of £200-£600 which could rise to £1,750 for people seeking awards over £30,000.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said the proposals “Will effectively prevent the most vulnerable workers from ever being able to get justice”.