Posted: Friday, 4 January 2019 @ 13:43
We are moving closer to the general election and while lawyers as a group can vote any way, it is safe to say that the Employment lawyers will be praying for a Labour victory with their commitment to eliminate Tribunal fees.
There has been a 60% decline in the number of cases being heard since application costs of up to £1,200 were introduced in July 2013; Not good for employment lawyers' business.
Unison has been conducting a legal challenge to the law and recently more than 400 barristers have published an open letter to the justice secretary, Chris Grayling, condemning steep rises in employment tribunal fees as a “barrier to access to justice”.
It is the Labour Party who have announced that they would overhaul the system if they win at the election.
Little wonder, given the historic links between the Labour Party and the trade unions but this may be too late to save many lawyers as they seek to maintain their livelihoods.
On the positive side for employment lawyers it is nice for them that they can deal with an efficient Tribunal system where the telephone is picked up quickly by Court staff, Judges and staff are relaxed when you deal with them and if you want a Tribunal hearing you can get it quickly. In that respect, justice has been obtained.