article_snippet: Business leaders said the Government’s introduction of charges to deter vexatious claims appeared to have ended the damaging
article_snippet: Many firms said Many firms settled claims Many firms disputed rather than risk costs spiralling by proceeding to tribunal.
article_snippet: It cost millions and warned businesses off creating jobs because of the risk of being held to ransom by a spurious claim.
article_snippet: Though most applications did not result in a full hearing or were settled out of court, businesses still had to pay substantial legal costs.
article_snippet: The consequences of vexatious claims were most serious for small businesses, which could rarely afford to launch a robust defence.
highlights_snippet: Business leaders point to new charges designed to deter vexatious claims .
  