Dismay at plan to introduce employment tribunal fees
Thu 5th Jan 2012
Kevin Flanagan, Centre Director, has spoken out in relation to proposed plans to introduce fees for employment tribunals. The Government move could see tribunals costing individuals £250. Introducing fees will bring employment tribunals in line with civil courts where claimants already pay a fee to use the service. As part of the proposals, there would also be an extension in the employment qualification period to go to a tribunal, from one year to two.
This imposition has been greeted with dismay by Kevin Flanagan who says "there has been no evidence of people making feckless claims." The move has been condemned as contributing to an atmosphere of insecurity where millions of people are already fearful for their jobs. Mr. Flanagan said extending the period under which people qualified to access a tribunal was a reduction in people's rights at work. "This will allow the unscrupulous employer to treat an employee badly for up to two years, knowing during that period they will not be able to go to a tribunal"
Critics say the Government hopes to make the British economy more competative by reducing workers' rights, but a survey of small businesses by the Business Innovation and Skills department found that "wider economic conditions such as levels of demand, access to financial credit, the speed with which clients pay businesses and tax levels are the key factors which influence business recruitment decisions and not employment regualtion."
TUC deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said "Government proposals to introduce a fee to loadge an intial claim and then possibly a further charge for a full hearing will effectively prevent the poorest and most vulnerable workers from ever being able to get justice"
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