1 August 2014

The TUC has released a report to mark the one year anniversary of the introduction of Employment Tribunal fees. The report analyses data from the Ministry of Justice to further detail the damage done to workers’ rights.

In addition to the fact that claims have dropped 79% since the introduction of fees, the report reveals:



Women are hit particularly hard by the introduction of fees – sex discrimination claims have dropped by 80%, with 6,017 claims between January and March 2013 dropping to just 1,222 over the same period this year. Pregnancy discrimination claims fell by 26%.



The number of race and sexual orientation claims have fallen by 60%, with disability claims falling by 46%.

Cases of unpaid wages and holiday are down 85%, and there has been a 70% drop in claims for non-payment of the minimum wage.

Low-paid workers are being priced out of making claims, as only 24% of those seeking it received financial assistance. Even those on the minimum wage can expect to be hit with fees of up to £1,200.

Frances O’Grady, the TUC general secretary, said: “Employment tribunal fees have been a huge victory for Britain’s worst bosses. By charging up-front fees for harassment and abuse claims the government has made it easier for bad employers to get away with the most appalling behaviour. Tribunal fees are part of a wider campaign to get rid of workers’ basic rights. The consequence has been to price low-paid and vulnerable people out of justice.”