Case Law: Costs Awards Possible Against Unrepresented Parties in Exeter & Employment Tribunals

Recent case law demonstrates that even unrepresented litigants or litigants in person may face costs sanctions under tribunal or court rules when their conduct is found to be vexatious, materially inconsistent, or in breach of procedural obligations. Relevant authorities include Rule 76 of the Employment Tribunal Rules of Procedure 2013 (as re‑applied under the 2024 Rules) and several reported decisions where tribunals have exercised cost‑making powers against respondents or claimants despite lack of legal representation.

For layman support users, this underscores the importance of careful case planning, avoiding unnecessary procedural delays, and ensuring allegations of unreasonableness are addressed. Lay support services can help identify weak points in a case, gather relevant evidence, and present arguments in a way that reduces exposure to cost risk.