Employment tribunal fees could save taxpayers millions

A consultation into charging structures for employment tribunals launched this week, open for discussion until 6 March 2012.

Currently bringing a claim or an appeal to the employment tribunal or the Employment Appeal Tribunal is free of charge, with the full cost being met by the taxpayer.

As a result, the CBI claims that introducing a structured fee system could save taxpayers millions.

Katja Hall, chief policy director at the CBI said: "Charging a fee to bring a tribunal case is a good way of weeding out more of the weak and vexatious claims, which are costing the taxpayer many millions of pounds a year. Asking a higher fee for the bigger claims will also help to keep expectations realistic.

"It's right that the tribunal system is given more time to deal with legitimate cases, which really deserve attention. Introducing fees shouldn't be a barrier to justice, because the Government is waiving fees for those who cannot afford to pay."