Salons should expect a rise in employment law cases, warns the NHF

Employment tribunal fees have been deemed “inconsistent with access to justice” by The Supreme Court.

Justice Minister Dominic Raab has vowed to take “immediate steps” to stop fees of up to £1,200 that trade union Unison said were stopping workers seeking justice through employment tribunals.

As a result of the ruling the government must now pay refunds to thousands of people who have paid to take employers to tribunal since 2013. It is predicted that this is set to cost the government £27 million.

The court held that the government was acting unlawfully by imposing the fees, introduced in 2013, because they had resulted in a huge decline in the number of cases being brought before tribunals.

It also said the fees disproportionately affected women and therefore opposed the Equality Act 2010.  

National Hairdressers Federation (NHF) chief executive Hilary Hall warned beauty business owners to expect a rise in employment cases against them once fees are eliminated. She said: “The number of employment law cases going to tribunal will definitely rise, so it’s more important than ever to have a proper contract of employment and a staff handbook in place, to stick to what they say, and to take advice on HR issues.”

She added: “NHF members are protected against employment tribunals with free legal expenses insurance, backed with free round the clock employment law advice.”