Tribunal fees

A. There are currently claim fees and hearing fees payable by the claimant for different types of employment tribunal claim. For example, there is a claim fee of £160 and a hearing fee of £230 for claims of unpaid wages, redundancy pay and breach of contract.

There is a claim fee of £250 and a hearing fee of £950 for claims of unfair dismissal, equal pay, discrimination and whistleblowing. There are different levels of fees payable for cases involving multiple claimants. 


Not everyone has to pay fees. There is a fee “remission” system under which it may be possible to pay a reduced fee or no fee at all. To be able to benefit from this, there are specific eligibility requirements. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has produced a fees help guide (EX160A) which sets these out along with the application process.


For example, if under 61 years old, an applicant would need to have less than £3,000 in savings and investments. However, if the fee is between £1,000 and £10,000, or the applicant or their partner is over 61, it is acceptable to have up to £16,000 of savings. The applicant must also be on a low income. 


Many unions provide their members with assistance to pay tribunal fees. The UNISON public services union is currently pursuing a legal challenge against the fees.


https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/537215/ex160-eng.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/560141/EX160A_web_1016.pdf