UCU response to Unison's Supreme Court victory on employment tribunal fees

Fees introduced by the government in 2013 payable by those bringing employment tribunal claims have this morning been ruled unlawful and the government will have to refund £32m to claimants.

Unison secured the landmark victory against the government at the Supreme Court, who also ruled that the fees were indirectly discriminatory to women.

UCU described Unison's victory as a huge win for workers everywhere and said it strengthened employees' hands in their fights for justice against unscrupulous bosses.

Following the introduction of the fees, which were as much as £1,200, the number of claims dropped by 79%. Unison argued that the fees prevented workers getting access to justice.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Unison must be congratulated on this landmark victory which is fantastic news for workers everywhere and will strengthen their hands in future fights for justice.

'The huge drop in people making claims was because the government was pricing people out of seeking justice. It was a pernicious move and a reminder of where this government stands when it comes to workers' rights. We will be watching with interest how Theresa May and her ministers respond to this ruling.'