MPs to review employment tribunal fees

An influential committee of MPs has launched an inquiry into employment tribunal and other court fees.

The Justice Committee announced the move on 21 July, in response to measures under the coalition government to reduce the cost of the courts and tribunal service that included introducing fees for taking a case to an employment tribunal, higher fees in civil cases and a mandatory charge on anyone convicted of a criminal offence.

It will look at the effect and levels of the fees and charges, focusing on issues including:

• whether increased court fees and the introduction of employment tribunal fees have affected access to justice
• whether they have affected the volume and quality of cases brought
• the effect on defendants of the criminal courts charge and whether it has been set at a reasonable level.

The Ministry of Justice launched its own review into employment tribunal fees in June, which is due to be completed later this year.

Depending on the type of case, it costs either £160 or £250 to lodge an employment tribunal claim, with a further charge of either £230 or £950 if the case goes ahead.