20/07/2001

GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TRIBUNAL FEES

THE Government has come under criticism following plans to introduce charges for individuals taking cases to employment tribunals.

The move forms part of a range of measures revealed in a new consultation document which details how the tribunal system could be made more efficient.

While the proposed charges have been described by ministers as a “modest amount”, unions have described the move as a means of discriminating against the less affluent members of society, with Patrick Burns, spokesperson for employment campaign group, the Industrial Society, stating that the decision would “ration justice to the better off."

However, it is thought that many employers will back the move, on the grounds that it will discourage employees from taking disagreements to the tribunal level.

Employment Relations Minister Alan Johnson rebutted criticism surrounding the proposed fees, and insisted that those on benefits or who are deemed “in genuine need” would be exempt from the charge.

He went on to stress the prohibitive cost to business of the ever-increasing number of tribunals, with the British Chambers of Commerce describing the system as "ridiculous and costly". (CL)

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