CBI comments on tribunal fee system

The CBI has commented on the Government’s proposals to reform the tribunals system, which includes the introduction of fees.

Neil Carberry, CBI Director for Employment and Skills policy, said:

“Businesses have been pressing for reform of the tribunals system for many years. It needs to be simpler, faster and more effective at weeding out weak or vexatious claims.

“But we don’t believe the Government’s current proposals will be effective when it comes to deterring weak claims.

“For these changes to work, all claimants must be asked to pay a fee. Current government proposals will have over a quarter of people paying no fee at all and a further half paying just a partial fee.

“The Government needs to find a new balance of fees and remissions to create the improved tribunal system businesses are seeking. We do not want weaker cases to get in the way of those that deserve a fair hearing. If a lower overall fee means everyone at least pays something, then businesses would support this.

“The Government should reconsider its decision that judges should sit alone in unfair dismissal cases. While it is appropriate in certain cases for judges to sit alone, lay members can add real workplace experience which is particularly valuable when it comes to unfair dismissal.”