Tribunal fees 


Since 29 July 2013, all tribunal claims attract fees. There are no exceptions. In a discrimination claim, there is a fee of £250 to issue the claim and a hearing fee of £950 if the claim does not settle, as well as further fees for any appeal. A few low-income workers will qualify for “help with fees” (i.e. full or partial fee exemption) under the government remission scheme. There is more information on tribunal fees and remission in Chapter 13.


Public services union UNISON is fighting an ongoing judicial challenge to the fee regime. UNISON argues that it breaches EU law and discriminates unlawfully against women, disabled and ethnic minority workers. To date the claim has not been accepted by the courts, despite evidence of a dramatic collapse in all types of claim, including 83% fewer equal pay claims and 77% fewer sex discrimination claims. UNISON’s appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court during 2016.