Since the introduction in 2013 of fees of up to £1,200, tribunals saw an immediate decline in successful claims heard at tribunal.
The Ministry of Justice published figures which show that only 6% of around 21,500 cases were successful at the end of 2015/ beginning of 2016. This is in contrast to 11% success in 2012/13.
In the final three months of 2015, 27% of claims were resolved at ACAS, a mandatory first step in employment tribunal cases. In the same period 26% of claims were withdrawn.
Higher fees were introduced to aid the running of tribunals, although access to the fee remission system, which covers fees for those who can evidence that they cannot afford the costs, is improving, according to Ministry of Justice figures.
The effect on the quality of claims has been assessed by the Ministry of Justice, but as yet the findings have not been published.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
At Gepp & Sons Solicitors our team advise on all aspects of employment law. For information and guidance, please contact Alexandra Dean on 01245 228141 or email on deana@gepp.co.uk.
