Member

I suggest to the Minister that by far the most substantial reason why vulnerable workers are unwilling to bring proceedings to vindicate their rights in an employment tribunal is the absence of money—the absence of legal aid. There is no legal aid for an employment claim unless it alleges discrimination and even then the legal aid does not cover representation in the employment tribunal. That is why people are reluctant to bring claims. Clause 114 will certainly assist in that respect, as the noble Lord, Lord Carter, pointed out. But the idea that money should be spent by the Secretary of State bringing proceedings in his or her name is a remarkably inefficient and unsatisfactory way to proceed.