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The introduction of court and tribunal fees has led to a ‘precipitate drop’ in the number of cases brought, according to a cross-party committee of MPs.
The House of Commons Justice Committee said that following the introduction of fees of up to £1,250 in 2013, cases dropped by almost 70%.
The number of employment tribunal cases brought by individuals fell by about 67% to around 4,500 per quarter from October 2014 to June 2015. While the number of multiple claims declined by 72% from 1,500 per quarter in the year to June 2014 to around 400 per quarter since October 2013.
The report, Courts and Tribunal Fees, said that the regime of employment tribunal fees has had a ‘significant adverse’ impact on access to justice for meritorious claims.
It urged the government to make a ‘substantial reduction’ to the fees, increase the disposable capital and monthly income thresholds, and give ‘special consideration’ to women alleging maternity or pregnancy discrimination. It also recommended scrapping the increased fee for divorce petitions.
The Ministry of Justice said it will consider the report, but that it was right for court users to relieve the taxpayers’ burden.
The introduction of court and tribunal fees has led to a ‘precipitate drop’ in the number of cases brought, according to a cross-party committee of MPs.
The House of Commons Justice Committee said that following the introduction of fees of up to £1,250 in 2013, cases dropped by almost 70%.
The number of employment tribunal cases brought by individuals fell by about 67% to around 4,500 per quarter from October 2014 to June 2015. While the number of multiple claims declined by 72% from 1,500 per quarter in the year to June 2014 to around 400 per quarter since October 2013.
The report, Courts and Tribunal Fees, said that the regime of employment tribunal fees has had a ‘significant adverse’ impact on access to justice for meritorious claims.
It urged the government to make a ‘substantial reduction’ to the fees, increase the disposable capital and monthly income thresholds, and give ‘special consideration’ to women alleging maternity or pregnancy discrimination. It also recommended scrapping the increased fee for divorce petitions.
The Ministry of Justice said it will consider the report, but that it was right for court users to relieve the taxpayers’ burden.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
