6th February 2024

The year 2024 is shaping up to be action-packed, with a steady stream of legislative provisions due to be enacted throughout the year.

The government has recently issued a consultation paper regarding the re-introduction of fees in Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The UK Government have suggested a proposed fee of £55 is payable by the claimant on bringing a claim in the Employment Tribunal. This would be a one-off fee with no further fee payable when the hearing is imminent (unlike the previous costs regime where a separate “hearing fee” was also payable). Similarly, there would be a £55 fee to lodge an appeal in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

By way of justification, the UK Government have said that the reintroduction of fees would ensure users are paying towards the running costs of Tribunals and this would put Employment Tribunal users on broadly the same footing as users of other courts and tribunals (who already pay fees).

The proposed fee is designed to be relatively modest (at least compared to 2013 fees) to protect access to justice. As with other court and tribunal jurisdictions, claimants who cannot afford to pay the proposed fees can apply for help with fees (if they meet the eligibility criteria).

Consultation for this proposal closes on 25 March 2024. You can submit your views here.

Remember to keep an eye on our blog for updates and don’t hesitate to contact us for advice as to how best to navigate these changes, if fees are re-introduced, or any other legislative changes that are being introduced this year.

Contact: info@lawbydesign.co.uk; or 0161 437 0013