‘Win’ for workers after tribunal fees are ditched

THE Government is to immediately stop charging employment tribunal fees and refund those who have already paid, after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.

The Ministry of Justice said it accepted a Supreme Court judgment in favour of union Unison which fought a fouryear battle against fees of up to £1,200 for taking a case to a tribunal.

It claimed thousands of workers were deterred by the charge and priced out by charges over the last four years. Unison also claimed the fees discriminated against women.

The court ruled the Government was acting unlawfully when it introduced the fees four years ago.

According to the Midlands TUC, there has been a 72 per cent drop in tribunal action in the Midlands since the charges were introduced – with 8,385 cases in the Midlands in 2012-13 falling to 2,346 by 2016/17.

Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Lee Barron said: “This is a massive win for working people in the Midlands. Congratulations to Unison for doggedly pursuing this case. The result shows the value of working people standing together in trade unions.

“Low-paid workers across the Midlands were priced out of justice, even when they’ve been faced with harassment or have been sacked unfairly.”