PUBLIC services union Unison was granted permission yesterday to step up its legal war against employment tribunal fees.

Claims have slumped since the fees came into effect in 2013, especially for sex discrimination cases.

Charges start at around £160, rising to £250, with a further hearing fee ranging from £230 to £950.

Unison said it had been granted permission by the Court of Appeal to proceed with appeals against High Court decisions refusing judicial review applications.

“Today’s decision is significant because every worker who has been forced to pay these punitive fees may get their money back if Unison’s case is successful,” said Unison general secretary Dave Prentis.

“We are pleased that this issue is being taken seriously. We hope the court will recognise that the government’s fees regime is having a significant impact on the ability of workers to access justice, particularly low-paid women.”

A hearing is expected in June.