Government announces employment tribunal fees

Posted 16/07/2012

The government has announced it is to bring in tribunal fees in a bid to encourage more workers and their employers to settle disputes through mediation and arbitration.But there was some concession from the coalition over its plans, as it revealed that following the Ministry of Justice’s consultation with businesses and the public, the fees will be set at a lower level than initially proposed.Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly stated the government does not believe it is fair to ask the taxpayer to settle the £84 million bill for individuals to “escalate” workplace disputes to a tribunal.”We want people, where they can, to pay a fair contribution for the system they are using, which will encourage them to look for alternatives,” he said.The government’s announcement drew immediate criticism from the Trades Union Congress, with general secretary Brendan Barber insisting the fees are going to price some of the UK’s most vulnerable members of staff out of being able to seek justice.Posted by Hywel Griffiths