The number of claims for discrimination or unfair treatment at work has fallen from 16,000 to 7,000, on average, since employment tribunal fees came in.
Fees of up to £1,200 were introduced in 2013. Figures published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) earlier this month reveal a drop of nearly three-quarters for unfair dismissal claims, and falls of more than 70% for sex discrimination, 58% for race discrimination and 54% for disability discrimination claims.
The TUC’s figures show that in 2012/13 there were 191,541 claims. In 2015/16 there were 83,031 claims.
The TUC has called on the government to publish a review on the impact of fees, and renewed its calls for the fees to be abolished.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The evidence is there for all to see. These fees—of up to £1,200, even if you’re on the minimum wage—are pricing out thousands each month from pursuing cases.”
Both the Law Society and the Bar Council have also urged the government to assess the impact of the fees on access to justice.
In June, the Justice Select Committee reported a drop of almost 70% in the number of cases brought before employment tribunals. The committee reported that, while some degree of financial risk may act as an important discipline for claimants, factors such as inequality of arms and the vulnerability and financial means of claimants needed to be taken into account. Bob Neill MP, Committee Chair said: “Where there is conflict between the objectives of achieving full cost recovery and preserving access to justice, the latter must prevail.”
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