Important changes to the rules regarding employment tribunal fees came into effect on Monday 29th July. Key points to remember are as follows:
A claim form will be rejected by the tribunal if it is not accompanied by the fee, or a remission application. The due date is set out in the hearing notice. There is, however, discretion to reinstate the claim if the fee is paid or a remission granted after the deadline has passed.
With regard to default judgments, Respondents will be able to apply for an extension beyond the current 28 day period for lodging a response form.
Employment Judges will perform an initial paper sift to establish the legitimacy of a claim and defence. There is, however, an option to present submissions in writing if the decision of the employment judge is deemed unfair.
More case management powers will be granted to employment judges including the ability to conduct hearings by email.
Employment judges will be able to carry out detailed assessments of costs. Changes to cost rules also include the removal of the £20k cap.
For more detail on the changes visit https://www.justice.gov.uk/tribunals/employment
