Labour has pledged to abolish the employment tribunal fees system if the party comes to power on 7 May.

The party included the policy in its work manifesto after saying the coalition government’s introduction of charges up to £1,200 in July 2013 had been a ‘significant barrier’ to workplace justice and failed to raise any money.

The manifesto pledges to ask reconciliation organisation Acas to oversee a process led by the Confederation of British Industry and Trades Union Congress to agree reforms.

The manifesto says: ‘Labour will abolish the government’s employment tribunal fee system as part of reforms to make sure that workers have proper access to justice, employers get a quick resolution, and the costs to the taxpayer are controlled.’

The government has insisted the fees are necessary to protect employers from frivolous claims and to ensure the taxpayer does not have to foot the bill.

Meanwhile, Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru has called for greater devolution of justice matters in the next parliament – including the devolution of all powers over criminal justice to the Welsh government.

In its manifesto, the party pledges to introduce a Welsh legal jurisdiction to codify the nation’s laws, to make clear which legislation applies only to Wales.

The party says it will oppose any moves by a UK government to scrap the Human Rights Act or withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.

Plaid Cymru also wants hearings to be held in alternative locations such as council chambers and other public buildings, and to create dedicated ex-servicemen’s courts to recognise particular problems faced by former members of the armed forces.