The Supreme Court has ruled that workplace tribunal fees are unlawful, forcing the government to repay more than £27 million paid out by employees for cases around unfair dismissal, discrimination and other workplace issues since July 2013.

Fees ranged between £390 and £1,200 and were introduced in 2013 to cut the number of malicious and weak cases. Discrimination cases cost more for claimants because of the complexity and time hearings took.

Government statistics showed 79% fewer cases were brought over three years. Lobby groups and trade unions said that the fees prevented workers from enforcing their rights.

Employers may now see an increase in unfair dismissal and other claims now that this fee barrier has been removed. It is advisable that all policies and procedures are reviewed so that any such claims can be robustly defended.