Unions blast Government for restoring 'discriminatory' employment tribunal fees

26 February 2024 , 15:34

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TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said working people should be able to enforce their rights without the hurdle of tribunal fees (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Unions, legal groups and rights organisations have slammed the Government for bringing back fees for employment tribunals.

Together, 48 groups have asked the Government to think again about their plans. They say that bringing in fees will make it harder for workers to fight against unfair treatment.

The groups warned: "We believe this will deter many from lodging worthy claims and gives a green light to bad employers to exploit their workers. Bad employers are being given the go-ahead to undercut good ones, safe in the knowledge they are less likely to face claims in the employment tribunal. Employment rights are only real if they are enforced. Tribunal fees risk pricing many workers out of workplace justice."

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said working people should be able to enforce their rights. “Introducing fees for tribunals puts yet another hurdle in the way of those seeking justice at their most vulnerable moment. The Conservatives have already tried this and failed.

He said: "Last time they introduced tribunal fees, claims dropped by two-thirds, and the Supreme Court threw fees out, saying they interfered with access to justice. That should have been the nail in the coffin for these cynical plans, but ministers have decided to side with bad bosses over workers and resurrect employment tribunal fees."

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"Employment tribunal fees give employers a pass to exploit workers, whether it's discrimination, unfair sackings or withheld wages." Rosalind Bragg, director at Maternity Action Group, said: "Charging fees for employment tribunal claims puts the justice system out of reach for women at a time when they are most in need of protection."

Organisations signing the statement included the TUC, Citizens Advice, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Fawcett Society, Maternity Action, Women's Budget Group and Liberty.

Lawrence Matheson