From 29th July 2013 anyone issuing a claim (or an appeal) against their employer in an Employment Tribunal (ET) will be required to pay a fee. The process for dealing with claims is further simplified by merging….
Pre-hearing reviews (PHR) and case management discussions (CMD) into a single ‘preliminary hearing’. It is anticipated that this change by sifting and striking out claims at an early stage, will encourage alternative dispute resolution (mediation).
Fees will be introduced at two levels Type A & B linked to the complexity of the case, with an initial fee payable when a claim is issued, followed by a further fee if the claim progresses to tribunal. Typically Type A will be for lower type claims (in broad terms) Wages Act, refusals to allow time off, appeals etc., with Type B focussing on claims of discrimination, detriment, dismissal. The ET will also have the power to order fees to be repaid to the claimant if they are successful with their claim.
Fee levels are:-
| Issue Fee | Hearing Fee | |
| Type A | £160.00 | £250.00 |
| Type B | £230.00 | £950.00 |
These changes will shift the burden of tribunal operating costs from the taxpayer to those making a claim. The new on-line business service, with the new ET1 is now available.
