On the horizon
The new National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2012, are as follows:
- An increase from £6.08 to £6.19 per hour for workers 21 and over
- It remains at £4.98 per hour for 18-20 year olds
- It remains at £3.68 per hour for under 18s
- An increase from £2.60 to £2.65 for apprentices.
Tribunal fees
Bringing a claim to an employment tribunal is currently free but costs the public purse £84 million to operate every year. In 2011 the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) proposed charging fees for employment tribunals in an attempt to transfer the cost away from the taxpayer towards those who use the service.
Following consultation the MoJ has decided that fees will be charged for going to an employment tribunal. Not only is this intended to reduce the taxpayer subsidy but also to encourage businesses and workers to go to mediation and resolve workplace disputes in a more timely and cost-effective fashion.
From mid 2013, claimants will be charged a fee starting from £160 for a straightforward case, rising in line with the complexity of the claim to a maximum of £950 for more complex cases.