Earlier this year we reported on the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court in the Unison case, which brought an end to the Employment Tribunal (ET) fees regime, ruled to be unlawful in its prevention of access to justice.
Following its commitment to refund those who had paid Employment Tribunal fees, the government has now confirmed a fee refund scheme which will provide a refund of the original fees together with interest of 0.5%. Interest will be calculated from the date the fees were paid to the refund date.
It’s estimated the cost of making these refunds, including interest, will be in the region of £33 million taking into account the number of claims received by the Tribunal since the introduction of ET fees.
In the opening phase of the refunds (which will last around 4 weeks), individuals will be contacted directly and given the chance to lodge their application.
If you have paid Employment Tribunal fees and haven’t yet been invited to take part in the initial application, you can register your interest to apply for a refund by signing up to the pre-registration scheme. Email ethelpwithfees@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk or register by post: Employment Tribunal Central Office (England and Wales)/Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) Fees , PO Box 10218, Leicester LE1 8EG and for proceeding in Scotland Employment Tribunals Central Office, Scotland/Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) Fees, PO Box 27105, Glasgow G2 9JRX.