Help with Employment Tribunal Fees (UK)
3/2/2017
Access to support from the Employment Tribunal ‘Help with Fees’ scheme would be extended under proposals issued by the Ministry of Justice after respondents to a government review ranging from business representatives to the Citizens Advice Bureau were unanimously critical of the impact of the fees* on low earners and others.
‘Review of the introduction of fees in the Employment Tribunals’ includes a consultation on proposals to set the gross monthly income threshold for a fee remission broadly at the level of someone earning the National Living Wage.
This equates to an increase from £1,085 to £1,250 for an individual and from £1,245 to £1,410 for a couple. Current additional allowances for people with children would be maintained. Responses by 14 March.
Government holds that the introduction of fees in July 2013 has generally achieved its objectives by
- generating an annual fee-income from users of up to £9m, which is in line with what was expected
- significantly increasing the numbers of people using Acas’ free conciliation service
It accepts, however, that the drop in the number of claims has been significantly greater than anticipated and fees have discouraged some people from bringing them.
Additionally, the remission scheme has been inadequately promoted: a Citizens Advice survey found 3 in 10 people were unaware of it, while 51% of those who had heard of it thought they were ineligible to benefit from it.
* Current fees for individuals making Type A claims – which generally involve sums of money due on termination of employment or for unpaid holiday pay, unlawful deductions etc – total £390, comprising an issue fee (£160) and hearing fee (£230).
For Type B claims, which are more complex and relate to issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, equal pay etc, the total for an individual is £1,200, comprising a £250 issue fee and £950 hearing fee.
For appeals, the issue fee is £400 and the hearing fee is £1,200 for both types.