Scottish commitment to abolish tribunal fees welcomed following union campaign

Prospect has today welcomed a commitment by first minister Nicola Sturgeon to prioritise the abolition of employment tribunal fees, once new powers outlined in the Scotland bill are transferred to Holyrood.

“This has been an issue that Prospect has campaigned on across the UK,” said Alan Denney, Prospect’s national secretary for Scotland.

“We are very pleased that the Scottish government has identified this as a priority, and we look forward to working with ministers on this, and other issues, to make Scotland a better and fairer place for our members to work.”

The union, which represents 10,000 workers in the civil service, energy, defence and aviation in Scotland, says the introduction of fees for employment tribunals has had a dramatic impact on the numbers pursuing claims.

Across the UK, between April and June 2014, single claims were 70% down on the same period in 2013 – before fees were introduced. It costs £1,200 to take a claim of unfair dismissal or discrimination to a tribunal, while the charge for bringing claims for unpaid wages or holiday pay is £390 – which can be more than the sum being claimed.

For further information contact:
Alan Denney
0131 558 5281 (w)
0771 351 1702 (m)
[email protected]
 
Andrew Child
020 7902 6681 (w)
07770 304480 (m)
[email protected]