UK Government Abolishes Employment Tribunal Fees, Ensuring Free Access to Justice for Workers

October 8, 2025
UK Government Abolishes Employment Tribunal Fees, Ensuring Free Access to Justice for Workers
  • Trade unions, including the TUC and GMB, welcomed Lammy’s stance, criticizing previous fees as barriers that could be exploited by bad bosses and hinder workers' rights.

  • Lammy's pledge to keep tribunal access free was praised by union leaders, who emphasized the importance of protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair treatment.

  • Lammy reaffirmed that employment tribunal claims will remain free, highlighting the Labour Party’s commitment to fair treatment at work and making sure workers can seek justice without financial barriers.

  • David Lammy, the Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, announced that workers will no longer be charged for bringing employment tribunal claims, reaffirming the government's commitment to accessible justice for all.

  • Trade unions, including the TUC, welcomed the decision to keep tribunal claims free, emphasizing the need for a fair, accessible, and efficient system, especially amid the current backlog.

  • The consideration of reintroducing tribunal fees was opposed by trade unions, including the TUC, who argued that such fees unfairly restrict access to justice for low-income workers and benefit exploitative employers.

  • The employment tribunal system faces a backlog of 45,000 cases, partly due to delays and a shortage of qualified judges, prompting efforts to recruit up to 86 new judges over the next year.

  • The Labour Party's proposed employment rights bill aims to strengthen workers' protections, which could lead to an increase in tribunal cases, though some business groups warn it might raise hiring costs.

  • The proposal to reintroduce charges for tribunal claims was initially discussed during a recent spending review but was rejected after widespread criticism from unions and advocates.

  • Tribunal fees, which were introduced in 2013 and abolished in 2017 following a Supreme Court ruling, were originally considered a cost-saving measure but faced backlash for deterring low-paid workers from seeking justice.

Summary based on 5 sources


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Lammy rules out charging workers for tribunal claims

Lammy rules out charging workers for tribunal claims

Chester and District Standard • Oct 8, 2025

Lammy rules out charging workers for tribunal claims

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