The government has confirmed that tribunal fees will be introduced on 29 July 2013, subject to necessary Parliamentary approval. From this date, claimants and appellants (other than those in receipt of certain state benefits or whose income falls below a specified level) will have to pay a fee in order to issue a claim in either the employment tribunal or the employment appeal tribunal. A further fee will then be payable closer to the hearing date.
The prospect of paying £250 to issue an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim, with a further £950 to pay before the hearing, is likely to result in a rush of claims being presented before 29 July 2013. Disputes over matters such as unauthorised deductions from wages, unpaid redundancy payments and annual leave will be subject to a £160 issue fee and a £230 hearing fee.
The requirement to pay a fee is expected to act as a considerable deterrent to would-be claimants. Employers contemplating dismissal (where an imminent decision is not necessary) may, therefore, choose to delay termination until after 29 July.
If you would like any further information or would like advice on employment law issues, please contact Roger Bull.