Tribunal fees

Since July 2013, all claims in the employment tribunal carry fees which are paid by claimants only — not employers. The fees are substantial. For example, a claim by a safety rep for failure to pay for or allow time off for training has a £160 fee for issuing the claim and a further £230 hearing fee. A unfair dismissal claim attracts an even higher fee — £250 to issue the claim, followed by a further £950 for a hearing. There are more fees, for example if the claim is appealed.

There is a fee remission scheme (i.e. full or partial financial assistance) in place but it is not generous. It is based on an assessment of household (not individual) income and capital and the thresholds are very low. Many trade unions have made arrangements to loan their members the tribunal fee as long as qualifying conditions have been met – for example that the claim is strong enough. Even if trade union assistance is available, members should always apply for fee remission

There is more detailed information about tribunal fees and remission in LRD’s companion publication, Law at Work www.lrdpublications.org.uk/publications.php?pub=BK&iss=1723.