Only lawyers lose out on fees

IN reference to Greg Wright’s column (Yorkshire Post, October 2), the issue of employment tribunal fees is completely bogus.

The notion that workers will be put off going to tribunals because they cannot afford the fees having just been sacked is a myth put about by lawyers who practice in the tribunals.

In truth it will be the lawyers themselves who pay the fees, not the clients, because most of this work is done on a no-win, no-fee basis.

It will cost the lawyers money of course, which is why they like to have a moan about it. But let’s not be fooled, the Government isn’t getting at the workers, it’s getting at the lawyers. And not entirely without justification.

Lack of class

From: Rhys Thomas, Richmond, North Yorkshire.

I SEE George Osborne struggled to answer a simple question on TV the other day; namely when was the last time he travelled standard class by train.

I suspect the rumpus over his first class upgrade (Yorkshire Post, October 20) was totally in keeping with character.

What I condemn is the hypocrisy – criticising first class travel when in opposition, because it is convenient to do so, and then doing the precise opposite when in office.

Need to inspire

From: Jayne Matthews, Harrogate Road, Leeds.

WITH regard to your Editorial (Yorkshire Post, October 27), I have always found it odd that a friend’s son is taught A-level history by someone whose specialism is geography.

I just hope Michael Gove learns from this old mistake – the key is teachers who inspire rather than the robotic teaching of core skills.

Sombre symbol

From: John Gordon, Ripon.

I AGREE with your correspondents that the memory of the carnage of the First World War is not a “celebration”. Indeed, I wonder if the poppy is really an appropriate symbol. It is such a beautiful flower and it is treated as a fashion accessory, worn by politicians in mid-October. Perhaps a black armband would be more suitable for November 11.