Big change!

From 29 July 2013 disgruntled employees had to pay fees to start a tribunal claim.

The minimum fee is £160 for a Type A case (e.g. unlawful deductions from earnings, i.e. you haven’t paid them what they are owed; unfair dismissal).

Individuals can pay as much as £950 if they take a Type B case (discrimination) to a hearing, less if they settle beforehand.

The aim of the introduction of fees was to prevent disgruntled employees “trying it on” to see how much they can get, without trying to resolve the problem directly with the employer. And in this respect it has certainly worked – there has been a 79% reduction in tribunal claims!

The introduction of these fees has been challenged and there is a full hearing later this year. The fees may be rescinded.

But for the time being, new cases still have to pay the initial fee, which should put a few more of them off “trying it on”.