Government Confirms Employment Tribunal Fees Will Not Be Reintroduced
The Labour government has confirmed that employment tribunal fees will not be reintroduced, ending speculation that arose following recent comments from the Ministry of Justice. David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, issued a clear statement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and a subsequent formal update on 8 October 2025, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping access to the employment tribunal system free for claimants.
This announcement follows growing concerns from legal professionals and unions after the Ministry of Justice indicated it was “not ruling out” the reintroduction of fees as a way to alleviate mounting tribunal backlogs. The confirmation will be welcomed by claimants and practitioners alike, many of whom recall the fees regime that was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court in 2017 for denying access to justice [R (on the application of Unison) v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51]
Review of Pension Loss Compensation Guidance Underway
The office of the President of Employment Tribunals (England and Wales) has launched a review of the Presidential Guidance on Principles for Compensating Pension Loss, last updated in 2021. A working group comprised of Employment Judges is currently considering revisions to ensure the guidance remains relevant and accessible.
Practitioners are being invited to contribute feedback on the content, structure and presentation of the guidance. This is a welcome opportunity for those regularly involved in employment litigation to help shape future practice in this complex area of compensation. Contributions can be submitted directly to the tribunal office and are encouraged ahead of the anticipated publication of an updated version.
Contributions should be submitted to pensionprinciples@ejudiciary.net by 1 November 2025.
New London Tribunals Centre to Open in February 2026
A major development in tribunal infrastructure is set to come online early next year with the opening of the new London Tribunals Centre at 7 Newgate Street. The Delivery Director for Civil, Family and Tribunals in London, has issued an update to court users confirming that the building, located adjacent to the Central Criminal Court, will house 30 hearing rooms.
Purchased in 2022, the venue is intended to modernise and centralise tribunal hearings in the capital. Staff will move into the building in December 2025, with the first hearings scheduled for February 2026. The update highlights the Centre’s role in providing a "modern, flexible and sustainable" venue designed to meet the evolving needs of the tribunal system and its users
