Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A victory for justice as the Tory tribunal fees are axed
THE Tories have been forced to scrap employment tribunal fees in a humiliating climbdown after a court defeat.
Public sector union Unison inflicted a bloody nose on the Government over charges of up to £1,200 for unfair dismissal, sex discrimination and other cases.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favour of the union, which had argued that the fees discriminated against women and workers with bad bosses.
There were calls for Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to be sacked for the fees fiasco.
SHAMBLES
The shambles will cost more than £27million in refunds for those who have been charged for taking claims.
Mr Grayling, the then Lord Chancellor, introduced the fees in July 2013, which lawyers branded a “barrier to access to justice.”
Manuel Cortes, of the TSSA rail union, said: “He is simply not fit to serve in public office. He should resign from the Cabinet. And if he can’t resign, he should be sacked.”
The Ministry of Justice said it would immediately stop the fees and refund those who have paid.
In a damning ruling, the seven judges ridiculed the Government’s misunderstanding of “elementary economics, and plain common sense”, when it claimed higher fees would mean increased demand. The judges also said fees were set so high, it “has had a deterrent effect upon discrimination claims, among others”.
Len Mccluskey, of the union Unite, said: “Workers will not forget this case was only necessary because the Tory-led government turned its back on workers.”
Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: “The court recognised the important role fees can play, but ruled that we have not struck the right balance in this case.” A review of the impact of the fees showed there had been a 70% drop in the number of cases.
Frances O’grady, TUC general secretary, said: “This is a massive win for working people.
“Too many low-paid workers couldn’t afford to uphold their rights at work. Fees have been a bonanza for bad bosses.”