In a decisive move that represents a major victory for workers' rights, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has firmly ruled out any return to the controversial employment tribunal fee system that previously priced many employees out of justice.
Closing the Door on Tribunal Charges
The Labour government has made its position unequivocally clear: workers will never again face financial barriers when seeking to challenge unfair treatment in the workplace. This announcement comes as a significant policy commitment that reverses the previous Conservative-led government's approach to employment justice.
Protecting Access to Workplace Justice
Lammy emphasised that charging workers for employment tribunal claims fundamentally undermines the principle of access to justice. "When people face discrimination, unfair dismissal, or wage theft, they should never be priced out of their right to seek redress," he stated during a recent parliamentary session.
The previous fee system, which charged workers up to £1,200 to bring claims, had been widely criticised for creating a two-tier justice system where only those who could afford it could challenge wrongful treatment by employers.
The Impact of Removing Financial Barriers
Since the Supreme Court declared tribunal fees unlawful in 2017, claim numbers have rebounded significantly, demonstrating how financial barriers had previously prevented legitimate cases from being heard. The current government's commitment ensures this progress won't be reversed.
- No upfront costs for workers bringing claims
- Protection against unfair dismissal and discrimination
- Equal access to justice regardless of income
- Stronger enforcement of employment rights
A Clear Message to Employers
This policy position sends a strong signal to businesses about the importance of maintaining fair employment practices. With the threat of tribunal claims no longer diminished by financial barriers, employers have greater incentive to ensure compliance with employment law from the outset.
The government's stance reinforces that workplace rights are fundamental protections, not privileges reserved for those who can afford to enforce them.
