The number of disgruntled workers taking their bosses to employment tribunals fell 59 per cent last year, sparking accusations from trade unions that new fees are putting would-be claimants off.

According to the Ministry of Justice, there were 5,619 cases in the first quarter of 2014, down from 13,739 in the same three-month period last year.

The Ministry said the resolution of a dispute involving airline cabin crew was a reason for the drop.

But the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said new fees prevented most workers from launching an action.

In July last year, the government introduced an initial fee of up to £250 to begin an employment tribunal. The move was meant to prevent speculative claims and spurious allegations.

More fees can be expected a cases progress.

"If an employer breaks the law and sacks someone unfairly, sexually harasses them or cheats them out of their wages, it's understandable that an individual should want to seek some kind of redress,” said TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady.

"In the past there were no fees, and workers who felt they'd been wronged could have their case heard and the tribunal would either find for them or in their employer's favour."