Over 400 barristers have signed an open letter stating their concern regarding the cost of employment tribunals in the UK.
The open letter directly attacks justice secretary Chris Grayling calling the increase in tribunal fees introduced by the government as a “barrier to access to justice”.
The letter states “It is very clear from the drastic reduction in the number of claims brought in the employment tribunal that fees are currently too high.”
“The fees are a significant barrier to accessing justice and are preventing employees from being able to complain about contraventions of their employment rights.
“We do not think that the current level of fees can be justified by the suggestion – repeatedly made by the media, politicians and others – that prior to July 2013 a significant percentage of employment tribunal claims were vexatious.
“The introduction of fees has had no discernible impact on the outcome of cases. This must mean that meritorious claims are not being pursued because of the fees regime.”
Decrease In Tribunals
The letter is signed by 40 QCs and 400 employment law specialists, and blames the government for the 60% drop in the number of tribunals.
The changes to the employment tribunal system have been brought in by the Ministry of Justice in order to make savings. Under the reforms, claimants have to pay £160 to launch a claim and £230 for a tribunal hearing for basic claims. Those challenging a case of unfair dismissal, sexual or racial discrimination in the workplace suffer from higher charges with the claimant having to pay £250 to lodge a claim and a further £950 for a hearing.
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