Employment tribunal claims almost halved over the past year
Combined with the news on early conciliation results, Government statistics also show that Employment Tribunal claims for 2013/14 fell by 45 per cent compared to 2012/13. To put the overall numbers into context, comparing the first quarter of 2014 with the same period in 2013, gives some startling results. Race discrimination claims fell by 59 per cent, sex discrimination claims by 81 per cent, unpaid wages claims by 80 per cent, and unfair dismissal claims by 62 per cent.
The blame, or credit, for the dramatic fall in claims has been firmly placed on tribunal fees, as most claims now cost around £1,200 to take to a hearing. While there is a system for low income employees to avoid fees, the process is complex and it is difficult for employees to understand if they qualify.