Work tribunal claims are plummeting

... after staff forced to pay

CASeS brought before employment tribunals have plummeted by 9,000 a month after workers were forced to pay fees to launch a claim.

Charges were introduced two years ago to deter vexatious cases against employers as critics warned mounting claims were damaging small businesses.

Research released yesterday by the TUC showed that before the fees were introduced in 2012-13, an average 16,000 people a month took a claim against their employer to tribunal.

But in 2015-16, the average number of such claims fell to 7,000 a month. The figures include a drop of 73 per cent for unfair dismissal claims, and sharp falls in challenges over sex discrimination, race discrimination and disability discrimination.

Last night former justice minister Dominic Raab welcomed the news, saying the fee had meant ‘spurious’ cases were being filtered out.

He said: ‘The Government’s reforms are achieving a better balance, whereby more cases are going to mediation, tribunal is reserved for the most credible claims, and spurious ones are being filtered out. That is right as a matter of fairness.’

The Ministry of Justice said it was ‘right that those who use our tribu- nals should contribute to the £71million cost of running the service.’

Under the rules, workers on the minimum wage have to pay the fee if a member of their family has savings of £3,000. employees who want to sue their boss must pay £160 for an initial claim and £230 for a hearing.

Some cases, including unfair dismissal, cost £ 250 to launch and another £950 for a hearing. Staff who win their cases are reimbursed.

More than 80,000 litigants opted for early conciliation talks in the first year, thereby avoiding acrimonious hearings. But the Government is being urged to abolish the fees in this month’s Autumn Statement.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘These figures show a huge drop in workers seeking justice when they’ve been unfairly treated.

‘Now bosses know they can get away with it, discrimination at work can flourish unchecked and people can be sacked without good reason.’

‘Theresa May has repeatedly said she wants to govern for ordinary working people. Here is a perfect opportunity. She could reverse employment tribunal fees, and make sure workers can challenge bad employers.’

An MoJ spokesman added: ‘ The most vulnerable can apply to have their fees waived or reduced and we have issued guidance raising awareness of this scheme.’

‘Spurious cases filtered out’