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Employment tribunal fee refund scheme launched 24 October 2017
Due to the ruling in July 2017 that employment tribunal fees are unlawful , HM Courts & Tribunals Service stopped charging fees and the government is now ready to pay refunds to the thousands of people charged.
The Supreme Court – the UK’s highest court – unanimously ruled that the government was acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally when it introduced tribunal fees in July 2013.
The government has announced that the first people eligible for employment tribunal fee refunds are now able to apply. Up to around 1,000 people will now be contacted individually and given the chance to complete applications before the full scheme is opened up in the coming weeks. Trade Unions are also being worked with who have supported large multiple claims potentially involving hundreds of claimants.
As well as being refunded their original fee, successful applicants to the scheme will also be paid interest of 0.5%, calculated from the date of the original payment up until the refund date.
For those who have paid Employment Tribunals fees, but have not been invited to take part in the initial stage, a pre- registration scheme has been set up so that they can register an interest in applying when the full scheme is rolled out. Those who wish to do so can register by email: ethelpwithfees@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk or in writing – further details are available on GOV.UK .
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Applications open to all for employment tribunal fees refund scheme 22 November 2017
Last month we saw the opening stage of the phased implementation of the employment tribunal fees refund scheme . This has been successfully completed and anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a refund can now apply.
Due to the ruling in July 2017 that employment tribunal fees are unlawful , HM Courts & Tribunals Service stopped charging fees and on 20 October 2017 the government announced that it was ready to start paying refunds through a phased launch.
Following a successful opening phase of the scheme, anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a refund can now apply on GOV.UK.
During the creation of the scheme the government has been working with trade unions who have supported large multiple claims potentially involving hundreds of claimants, and ahead of the full launch people were invited to pre- register their interest in applying.
The government has said that they will continue to work with the unions to ensure those who are eligible are able to claim a refund.
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Pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work 29 November 2017
Acas has published new guidance Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination at Work to help employers ensure they do not get it wrong when an employee informs them about their pregnancy.
Guidance is also set out for pregnant women and new mothers to ensure they don’t fall victim to discrimination and if they do, what steps they can take. The guidance offers a wealth of best practice.
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Policy News Journal
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