According to Staffordshire employment law specialist Martin de Ridder, a radical change to UK employment law occurs on 29th July 2013, when for the first time a system of fees are introduced to any employee wishing to bring an Employment Tribunal claim.

The fee to start straightforward claims by a single claimant for failure to pay statutory redundancy or for breach of contract will be £150. A hearing fee for such claims will also be introduced of £160.

The fee for starting an unfair dismissal claim or a discrimination claim will be £250. The hearing fee for this type of employment law claim will be £950.

The intention behind the changes is to reduce the amount of frivolous employment law claims issued.

However, a system of fee remission will be in place which will mean employment law claimants who receive certain benefits, such as income job seekers allowance, will qualify for a full fee remission.

The introduction of fees introduces an extra layer of administration for those looking to issue an employment law claim.

Most employment law claims have a three month time limit.

There is currently a judicial review application pending in the High Court as to the legality of the system, started by the Unison trade union, which potentially could delay the implementation of the changes.

Martin de Ridder, who is a partner of Ansons Solicitors which has offices in Lichfield and Cannock said:

“if you are thinking about starting an employment law claim it is important that you take advice as early as possible. In the first few months of the new system it is likely to take a little longer than under the previous system. Claimants with good employment law claims should not wait until the last minute before deciding to bring their claim.”

If you have a claim for unfair dismissal or discrimination and want to speak to an employment law solicitor about your potential claim please contact Martin on 01543 431 186 or email mderidder@ansonsllp.com.