R (on the application of UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017]

Unison has won a landmark ruling that reinforces the principle of access to justice. The public service union brought the appeal before the UK Supreme Court challenging the controversial fees imposed when making a claim to an employment tribunal or the EAT. Prior to the coming into force of the Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal Fees Order 2013, SI 2013/1893 on 29 July 2013, claimants could bring claims before the tribunals without charge. The fees were introduced by then Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling in an attempt transfer part of the cost burden of the tribunals from taxpayers to users of their services, to deter unmeritorious claims and to encourage earlier