Labour Rules Out Plans to Reintroduce Tribunal Fees Following Union Backlash

Published : October 10, 2025

After Union backlash, the government has extinguished speculation that it was planning to reintroduce tribunal fees. Advocates highlighted an overwhelmed tribunal system, while critics warned of the new barriers to justice such a move would create.

However, Justice Secretary David Lammy has now put this debate to rest, stating that the government will not reintroduce fees in the employment tribunal. In our latest article, we explore what started the discussion, the fallout, and the government’s subsequent response.

If you believe your employment rights have been breached and are considering a claim, contact Redmans Solicitors today. Our team of employment experts is here to help. Following a brief discussion, we can answer your questions and provide specialist advice. We can also assess your eligibility to claim and guide those who qualify through each stage of the process.

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How the Debate to Reintroduce Tribunal Fees Began

Last week, reports suggested that the government had plans to reintroduce tribunal fees, reportedly at the level previously proposed under the Conservatives. The cost would have amounted to £55 and would have been payable by individuals who wished to initiate employment tribunal proceedings.

This figure was significantly lower than that enforced during the 2013-2017 regime, which ranged from a few hundred pounds to over £1,000. It was also alleged to include a remission for those facing financial difficulties, but attracted criticism nonetheless.

Why Labour Considered Fees in the Employment Tribunal

According to reports, the idea gained renewed traction following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s June spending review. The introduction of court fees was viewed as a potential means of recouping some of the operating costs of the tribunal system. When the figure was initially proposed, it was estimated that the “modest fee” could generate up to £1.7 million a year, helping to offset a portion of the tribunal service’s £80 million annual running costs.

Read More: Nurse Wins £25K Constructive Dismissal Award After Facing “Bullying and Belittling Behaviour” at Work

Furthermore, statistics indicated that, as of March 2025, a backlog of around 45,000 open employment tribunal claims exists. The Ministry of Justice even stated that it “inherited a justice system in crisis.”

However, with Labour’s Employment Rights Bill set to provide new entitlements, such as a day-one protection against unfair dismissal, more employees will likely be eligible to bring claims. Therefore, with fears that this backlog could rise once Labour’s strengthened workplace protections take effect, some viewed the reintroduction of a court cost as an attempt to deter a further surge in claims.

Unions Warned Tribunal Fees Would Undermine Workers’ Rights

When the news broke that the government may reintroduce tribunal fees, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and UNISON were unequivocal in their condemnation.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak labelled the proposal a “disaster” and a “gift for bad bosses.” He claimed that the reintroduction of a court cost would “price many low-paid workers out of justice,” particularly impacting women. He then referenced the justification of raising funds to offset tribunal operating costs, alleging that the fee would cost more to administer than it would raise.

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UNISON’s general secretary, Christina McAnea, stated that the enhanced rights introduced under the Employment Rights Bill would mean little if workers couldn’t access justice when employers cross the line. She added that if the government were to reintroduce a fee in the employment tribunal, the Bill would be undermined, representing “a victory for unscrupulous bosses.”

When the previous UK employment tribunal fees regime operated between 2013 and 2017, there was a significant decline in claims. It was only after UNISON took the case to the Supreme Court, which ruled the fees unlawful for denying access to justice, that the regime was scrapped.

Government Confirms Workers Will Not Pay to Access Justice

Speculation that the government might reintroduce tribunal fees didn’t last long, though. Within days, David Lammy announced that workers will not face court fees for bringing tribunal claims. He said, “It’s a fundamental principle that everyone, no matter their income, should be able to get access to justice to challenge unfair behaviour at work.” Understandably, this move was welcomed by Paul Nowak and the TUC.

What the Decision Means for Employees

The U-turn on UK employment tribunal fees ensures that employees can continue to bring employment tribunal claims without incurring charges. This maintains the accessibility that UNISON’s 2017 Supreme Court victory restored.

Despite this, if an individual is considering making a claim, it remains crucial to:

  • Document everything, keeping clear records of anything relevant to one’s case, including witness information, employment contracts and email correspondence.
  • Contact Acas or one’s Union for free, independent advice and potential representation from the latter.
  • Seek specialist legal help where personalised, tailored advice is desired.

Get Help From Redmans Solicitors

If you believe your employment rights have been breached and you want to bring a claim, contact Redmans Solicitors. Our team of employment specialists is here to help. Following a brief consultation, we can analyse your case, answer your queries and discuss your possible next steps. Should you be eligible to bring a claim, we can also guide you through the legal process.

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The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.