EmploymentSolicitor.com has teamed up with Mark Greaves, Pupil Barrister at Old Square Chambers. Mark is at the Supreme Court and will be live tweeting updates throughout the day.
Background
Before July 2013 claimants did not have to pay a fee to bring an employment tribunal claim. Since fees were introduced, the number of employment tribunal claims has reduced dramatically. Fees range from £160 to to £1,200. For example, to bring an unfair dismissal claim or discrimination claim the fee is £1,200, with no certainty a successful claimant will recover the fee.
Unison began judicial review proceedings in July 2013. In November 2013 the High court dismissed the claim, determining it was premature. Unison issued new proceedings in 2014 following publication of figures by the Ministry of Justice showing a 79 per cent reduction in claims. The court proceedings reached the Court of Appeal in 2015. Unison was unsuccessful but permission was granted to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court hearing is listed for 27 and 28 March 2017.
Court of Appeal Judgment: R (On the application of Unison) v The Lord Chancellor [2015] EWCA Civ 935