Union victory on tribunal fees

UNISON has won a “landmark” court victory against the Government over controversial fees for taking claims to an employment tribunal in Britain.

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the union, which had argued that the fees of up to £1,200 — which do not apply in Northern Ireland — discriminated against women and other groups of workers.

Unison said the decision But she said there were a range of political factors at play, including Northern Ireland’s lack of devolved government.

She added: “RICS believes that a local Executive would be best placed to ensure the delivery of long-term policies and means that employment tribunal fees will now be scrapped.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Government was acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally when it introduced the fees four years ago.

Michael Black, a director at Belfast law firm CFR, said there had not been the political will to introduce fees in Northern Ireland and it was “very unlikely” they would ever apply.

“Although the employment law landscape in Northern Ireland has increasingly diverged decision-making that are vital to the development and growth of the economy, including the land, property and construction sectors.”

Gary Barr, relationship director of commercial real estate at Ulster Bank, said: “The survey’s data is in line with other economic indicators for the Northern Ireland economy in the second quarter of the year, which suggest a more cautious away from Great Britain’s employment law in recent years, the abolition of tribunal fees will bring GB into line with the position here,” he said.

Paul Gillen, employment law partner at Pinsent Masons in Belfast, said the decision could hit Northern Ireland companies with operations in Britain.

He said: “On a broader level, businesses here will await to see how claims without merit will be dealt with and whether the same approach could be adopted in Northern Ireland.” approach by businesses and consumers.

“However, while sentiment has eased back, the survey points to ongoing activity in the market, and Ulster Bank is committed to continuing to support good deals and investments.”

Separate research this week described Belfast as “one of the world’s fastest-growing cities in the world” for prime retail space.

CBRE’s half-yearly report, Global Prime Retail Rents, listed Belfast as the eighth fastest-growing location. It recorded an 8.7% year-on-year increase in rents for prime retail in the first quarter of 2017.

But Belfast was beaten in the rankings by its rivals Dublin and London.

The city has seen significant regeneration of key retail locations, such as Donegall Place, Arthur Street and Ann Street.