Employment Costs Information

Costs Information

Employment Tribunals

We act for both employers and employees in bringing and defending claims in the employment tribunal. As with all litigation there will be a number of factors to consider and whilst we can give you an idea of the legal costs that are involved in bringing or defending unfair and wrongful dismissal claims, the fees set out here are not fixed.

The fees below do not cover more complex claims that may, for example, include allegations of discrimination and whistleblowing, which are likely to increase the fees listed below.

Pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal claims in an employment tribunal:

We will charge on a time spent basis. Our hourly rates range from between £250 – £350 plus VAT.

The amount of time spent on each stage of the process will depend on the complexity of the matter, in particular the number of relevant documents and number of witnesses.

Type of Work

Reviewing relevant documents, drafting case assessment summary on the merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change).

Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached.

Drafting and filing the claim form (ET1) or response form (ET3) outlining your case and nature of the dispute (particulars of claim or response).

Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party.

Preparing for and attending Preliminary Hearing (via telephone). (If we are required to attend in person this will increase the cost. This usually applies in more complex cases).

Considering and drafting schedule of loss or counter schedule of loss.

Dealing with disclosure/preparation of list of documents and considering documents disclosed by Respondent (this will depend on the number of documents involved).

Agreeing and preparation of the bundle (usually the Respondent’s responsibility).

Preparation of Claimant’s witness statement.

Preparation of additional Witness Statements (estimated cost per statement).

Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements (per statement).

Agreeing a list of issues, chronology and/or cast list.

Briefing Counsel.

Total estimated costs – to full hearing.

There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing per day (subject to location). Generally, we would allow 1-2 days for a straight forward unfair and wrongful dismissal claim.

Range of fees (excluding VAT)

£750 - £1,500

£750 - £3,500

£1,000 - £3,500

£500 - £1,500

£750 - £1,500

£500 - £1,500

£2,000 - £5,000

£1,000 - £3,500

£2,000 - £3,500

£1,000 - £2,000

£500 - £1,000

£750 - £2,000

£1,000 - £2,000

£12,500 - £32,000

£1,500 - £3,500

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

Assumptions:

The range of fees set out in the table above are based on the following assumptions:

Our client provides us with all of the necessary information, documents, comments on documents and instructions we may need in a timely manner;
The other side acts reasonably throughout the process without excessive levels of communication;
We are not involved in any protracted settlement negotiations;
We are not required to make numerous applications to the Employment Tribunal;
The work proceeds without any unforeseen or unusual complications.

If any of these assumptions are incorrect or change over time, the fees set out in the table above may increase.

Factors that could make a case more complex and increase these fees:

If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
Making or defending a costs application
Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
The number of witnesses and documents
If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Counsel’s fees estimated between £1,500 to £3,500 plus VAT per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved and how quickly the tribunal is able to progress the claim. We will of course be able to give you a timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.