A union has lost the latest round of a legal fight against a Government decision to make people pay to pursue proceedings in employment tribunals.
Unison claimed the introduction of fees was unfair and would mean many people would be unable to afford to bring claims against employers.
Judges in the High Court have already dismissed Unison’s challenge and the Court of Appeal dismissed appeals against those High Court decisions. Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said the appeal court decision was a “huge disappointment” and a “major setback for people at work”.
But he said the union’s fight would continue – and the issue might be analysed by the Supreme Court.
“Many unscrupulous employers will be rubbing their hands together in glee at the news,” said Mr Prentis. “There is stark evidence workers are being priced out of justice and it is women, the disabled and the low-paid who are being disproportionately punished.”
He added: “Our fight for fairness at work and access to justice for all will continue until these unfair and punitive fees are scrapped.”
The Equality and Human Rights Commission had supported Unison's challenge.
Appeal judges said people had been able to pursue employment tribunal claims for free.
Fees were introduced in July 2013. Unions said people were  charged about £160 to bring claims for unlawful deduction of wages and breach of contract, and about £250 to bring claims of unfair dismissal or discrimination. 
The union said people were then faced with further fees prior to final hearings.