Charging Fees in Employment Tribunals and the ... - Ministry of Justice

Charging Fees in Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal Summary ofresponsesB. Responses related to Option 1177. Two questions specific to Option 1 were asked:Question 5 – Do you think that charging three levels of fees payable at twostages proposed under Option 1 is a reasonable approach? If not, pleaseexplain why.178. There were 111 replies to question 5. Overall around a third of respondentsagreed that this was a reasonable approach, with almost 75% of businessrespondents agreeing with this proposal. All other groups disagreed.Question 15 – Do you agree with the Option 1 fee proposals? If not, pleaseexplain why.179. 126 replies were received to this question. Around 20% of respondentssupported the Option 1 proposals. Of the 80% who disagreed, a largepercentage of them did so on the basis that they objected to the principle offees and for reasons explained in the questions above. Some positivecomments were received, however, including the following from RBS PlcMentor Services:Of the two options presented, Option 1 has the benefit ofaligning charges more closely with the likely costs ofprocessing claims, which will appear transparent and fair toTribunal usersOption 1 will also discourage claimants from addinggroundless and vexatious discrimination claims to what areessentially unfair dismissal claims, without making it appearpunitively expensive to pursue genuine discriminationclaims.180. Other supportive comments included:The separate hearing fee should encourage discussions of settlementbefore large costs have been incurred and focus both claimants' andrespondents' minds on the costs involved in pursuing the case.Option 1 is the simpler option and the simpler option suits all users ofthe employment tribunals.The two stage fee carries additional benefits and is generally preferredto a single fee.Our consideration of responses181. In reaching the conclusion to adopt Option 1 we have considered closely all thecomments from respondents and as a result have made amendments to thepolicy as noted earlier.43