Tribunal
claims cut
after fees
brought in

Citizens’ Advice said that since the Government introduced fees of up to £1,200 last July there has been a 73 per cent drop in claims compared to the same period the previous year.

Despite this, millions are still logging onto Citizens Advice’s website in need of help with employment matters, up 42 per cent on last year, while tribunal searches have increased by 54 per cent.

The charity is calling for a review of the system.

Its analysis found that four out of five cases had a 50/50 chance or higher of success if they were pursued to tribunal, but less than a third (31 per cent) of the potential success cases were likely or definite to proceed to tribunal.

Under a quarter of claims worth £1,000 or less are likely to be, or are definitely being taken forward, with the cost said to deter people in just over half the cases.

Unfair dismissal and withholding wages were the most common issues for people thinking of bringing a claim forward, along with holiday pay.

The complexity of the process, stresses involved and fear of losing their job also dissuaded potential claimants.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens’ Advice, said: “Employers are getting away with unlawful sackings and withholding wages. People with strong employment claims are immediately defeated by high costs and fees.

“The risk of not being paid, even if successful, means for many the employment tribunal is just not an option. The cost of a case can sometimes be more than the award achieved.”