The TUC has added its voice to calls for the Government to withdraw its proposals to increase the small claims limit for workplace injury claims.

The small claims limit is the level at which you can reclaim legal costs if a claim is successful.

The current small claims limit of £1,000 helps redress the balance between claimants and defendants but the Government is proposing raising that to £2,000.

Any increase in the limit will mean that more people will be unable to receive legal advice in pursuing a claim.

The increase to £2,000 would affect an estimated 20% of the 70,000 claims that are taken every year. However, many workers also drive as part of their work and if they are injured the limit to reclaim their costs will be increased even more – to £5,000. Because unions also often support members and friends take claims in relation to non-work claims, in particular road traffic accidents, the change could affect at least 40% of all claims.

According to TUC Head of health and safety, Hugh Robertson, this is an attack on workers right to receive justice. In a blog he writes “The Government seems to think that any claim under £2,000 is insignificant, which shows the kind of world they live in. £2,000 is certainly not insignificant to someone on minimum wage who had to lose wages because they broke a limb, hurt their back or suffered lung damage. This change will impact most on low paid part time workers in sectors like cleaning, retail, hospitality and other low paid jobs, as well as those who drive for their work such as bus drivers or paramedics.” He also pointed out the impact that the changes could have on workplace safety “If an employer has several claims from workers who are injured or made ill, their insurance company is likely to demand changes. If these claims are not made the insurer will never know there is a problem and a major injury or fatality is going to be far more likely. That is why the proposal will also make our workplaces more dangerous.”