Since the ‘quashing’ of the Employment Tribunal fees regime in July 2017, we have been waiting to see whether there would be a consequent increase in the number of tribunal claims being filed by disgruntled employees.  After all, statistics suggest that claims dropped by more than 70% after the roll out of fees back in 2013.  So presumably the reverse would be true if fees were removed again?

According to the latest figures published by the Ministry of Justice, individual Employment Tribunal claims increased by 90% year on year for the period from October to December 2017.  The backlog in relation to these claims rose by 66%.  This is a significant jump in the number of claims being filed.  However, we will need to keep an eye on the figures for future quarters, in order to see whether this is a temporary blip or indicative of a longer-term trend.

If you find yourself involved in an actual or threatened Employment Tribunal claim and need our help, please get in touch.