On 26 July, in the case of R (on the application of UNISON) (Appellant) v Lord Chancellor (Respondent), the Supreme Court ruled that the Government had acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally in introducing employment tribunal fees of up to £1,200 in 2013. As a result, the Government is having to pay back £32m to claimants and will now stop charging the fees.
The idea behind the introduction of the fees was to cut down on the number of malicious and weak cases. Unfortunately, it also prevented access to justice for genuine claimants who could not afford the fees to bring their cases.
The Supreme Court ruling will inevitably lead to a rise in claims being made and it is fair to say that a number of employer based law firms are already gearing up for an increase in instructions from clients. We have seen a rise in roles arising in Leeds and Manchester, mainly at the junior end of the spectrum, in firms of all sizes and are pleased to have been able to assist a number of junior lawyers into new, exciting employment positions.
We only anticipate a further rise in new opportunities arising over the coming months as firms feel more confident in the market.
If you have been thinking about a move or would just like some general advice about options in the market, please feel free to contact one of our dedicated consultants on 0113 2385965 or 0161 3000750.
CapeClarke is a leading niche legal recruitment consultancy operating across Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool and London. Please feel free to check out our priority legal vacancies by clicking here. Please note these legal vacancies are only a small selection of those we have been instructed on, so please get in touch if you do not see a role which looks suitable.
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