Employment Tribunal claims increase by 165% after fees scrapped

September 25, 2018

 

Statistics show that Employment Tribunal claims have more than doubled after the scrapping of Tribunal fees, with a big increase in the number of employees bringing claims themselves without legal representation.

The figures (released by the Ministry of Justice) show that during the last quarter, claims brought by single Claimants (as opposed to group claims) increased by a huge 165% compared to the same quarter last year. The increase is widely believed to be the result of the Supreme Court ordering that Employment Tribunal fees be abolished in July 2017.

Tribunals are now finding it difficult to deal with the increasing volume of claims they are now facing and that claims are taking longer to be dealt with as a result. Consequently, employees and employers going through cases in the Tribunals should expect to wait several months or more for their claims to reach a final hearing.

According to the figures, the number of employees bringing claims against their employers without relying on legal representation has also increased, with over a quarter of claimants now representing themselves. This often makes defending claims more onerous for employers, who will be expected to take on more of the case preparation work by the Tribunal.

The statistics also showed that the type of claim giving rise to the highest compensation is disability discrimination, averaging £30,700 per successful claim (although this is likely to be distorted slightly by a few very high value claims, with the highest being over £200,000). In ordinary unfair dismissal cases, the average award was £15,000.

Facing an Employment Tribunal claim can be a daunting prospect. It is therefore important for employers to take advice as early as possible to assess the range of options available in defending a claim. If you are facing a claim, or suspect that a claim is on its way, one of our employment lawyers would be happy to discuss your situation with you.

 

 

Contact Our Team
Catherine Burke
Partner
View Profile
Damian Phillips
Partner
View Profile
Fflur Jones
Managing Partner
View Profile
Gareth Wedge
Partner
View Profile
Mark Rostron
Partner
View Profile
Nick O’Sullivan
Partner
View Profile
Owen John
Partner
View Profile
Rhodri Lewis
Partner
View Profile
Stephen Thompson
Partner
View Profile

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee, Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper, ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale, Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth, Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani, Property Support Services UK Ltd

We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”

Guto Bebb, Farmers’ Union of Wales

Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”

Iwan Hywel, Mentrau Iaith Cymru

My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”

Margot Adams, Guarding UK Ltd