Labour considering charging workers for employment tribunal claims, sources say

"Workers could be charged a fee to take their bosses to court under plans being explored by Labour as it faces pressure from businesses lobbying to water down its landmark changes to employment rights. In a development described by unions as a disaster, sources in Westminster said ministers were looking at reviving a proposal made by the last Conservative government to impose fees on employment tribunal claims."

"It is understood David Lammy, who replaced Shabana Mahmood as justice secretary in last month's reshuffle, is reviewing his department's policies before a decision is made. Unions argued that tribunal fees would risk pricing workers out of accessing justice. Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the TUC, said: Everyone should be able to enforce their rights at work. Reintroducing tribunal fees would be a gift for bad bosses and price many low-paid workers out of justice especially women."

Labour is exploring reintroducing fees for employment tribunal claims to recover Ministry of Justice costs and find savings after the June spending review. The revived proposal mirrors a Conservative plan that would have charged around £55 for workers bringing claims in early 2024. Budget pressures and an overwhelmed tribunals service are cited as reasons for reconsidering fees. David Lammy, the justice secretary, is reviewing department policies before a decision. Unions warn that tribunal fees would price many low-paid workers, especially women, out of access to justice and would help bad employers avoid accountability.

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