Employment Tribunal
Pricing
We are committed to providing clear, upfront pricing for our legal services, ensuring that our clients whether individuals or businesses understand the costs involved at every stage.
We provide advice both to employees and employers for bringing and defending claims for wrongful or unfair dismissal.
The information set out below is a general indication of the costs involved in bringing or defending claims of wrongful or unfair dismissal before an Employment Tribunal. However, no two situations are the same and we tailor our advice and fees to your own requirements. We will always provide you with a specific estimate of costs, based on the particular circumstances of your case.
Our pricing for bringing and defending Employment Tribunal claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal is as follows:
• Simple case: £5,500 plus VAT (£6,600) - £12,000 plus VAT (£14,400)
• Medium complexity case: £12,000 plus VAT (£14,400) - £35,000 plus VAT (£42,000)
• High complexity case: more than £35,000 plus VAT
All of our prices above do not include disbursements (i.e. third party costs). See below for further details.
There are several ways of funding your Employment matter. Please read our page funding your employment dispute for more information (internal link).
Understanding Simple, Medium, and High-Complexity Employment Tribunal Cases
When estimating the likely costs of your employment tribunal case, we categorize cases as simple, medium, or high complexity based on specific factors. Below, we outline the criteria for each level of complexity and the potential challenges that could increase complexity as a case progresses.
What Constitutes a Simple Case?
A case is considered simple if it includes one or more of the following features:
• Undefended Claim: The other party does not dispute the claim.
• Straightforward Facts: The facts are clear and largely agreed upon by both parties.
• Basic Legal Issues: The matter involves straightforward legal questions.
• Short Hearing Duration: The Employment Tribunal schedules a hearing lasting no more than one day.
It’s important to note that a case classified as simple at the outset may become more complex as it progresses.
What Factors Increase Case Complexity?
Several factors can elevate a case from simple to medium or high complexity, including:
- Disputed Issues: Complex or contentious legal or factual disputes between the parties.
- Multiple Allegations: Numerous and contested claims made by either side.
- Large-Scale Evidence: Involvement of multiple witnesses or a significant volume of documents.
- High-Value Claims: Even a straightforward case can become more complex if it involves a substantial financial claim.
- Extended Hearing: Cases requiring more than one day of tribunal hearings.
Examples of Additional Complexities
Some specific scenarios that can add complexity to a case include:
Amendments: Modifying a claim or defence during the proceedings.
Preliminary Issues: Addressing complex issues like:
- Whether the claim was filed within the allowed timeframe.
- Whether the claimant meets the legal definition of disability.
Preliminary Hearings: Attending and preparing for additional tribunal hearings.
Applications: Making or defending applications, such as strike out or costs applications or other procedural applications.
Unrepresented Claimants: Defending claims brought by individuals without legal representation.
Discrimination Claims: Cases involving allegations of discrimination linked to a dismissal.
Corporate and Personal Liability: When both a business and individuals are named as respondents.
Flexibility in Complexity Levels
While we aim to categorize cases accurately at the outset, factors such as new evidence or evolving legal issues can change the complexity level during the case. Our team will keep you informed of any changes and provide updated cost estimates as needed.
Timescales in the Employment Tribunal
The timeline for resolving your case typically ranges between 12 to 24 months from initiation to completion. However, several factors can influence this duration, and you should consider the following:
- Complexity of the Claim: More intricate cases tend to take longer to resolve compared to straightforward matters.
- External Influences: Factors beyond our control can impact the timeline, such as:
-Tribunal Efficiency: Delays in processing correspondence or scheduling hearings by the Employment Tribunal.
-Opponent’s Approach: The willingness and responsiveness of the opposing party to engage in the process.
- Client Input: The speed and clarity with which you provide instructions and respond to requests can significantly affect the timeline.
Disbursements (Expenses)
Disbursements are additional costs associated with your case that are paid to third parties, such as expert witnesses or barristers (counsel). To ensure a seamless process, we manage these payments on your behalf, provided you have deposited the necessary funds with us. It’s important to note that disbursements are not included in the estimates provided above.
Barrister Fees
• Barrister fees typically range from £1,500 plus VAT (£1,800) to £2,500 plus VAT (£3,000) per day, depending on their level of experience. This covers their preparation and attendance at the tribunal hearing.
Expert Witness Fees
• If an expert is required to provide evidence supporting your claim, their fees for preparing a report are estimated between £1,500 plus VAT (£1,800) to £3,000 plus VAT (£3,600)
• Should the expert need to attend the hearing to provide evidence, additional costs are usually between £1,000 plus VAT (£1,200) and £2,000 plus VAT (£2,400) per day.
What’s Included in the Price
Initial Consultation:
Taking your initial instructions, reviewing documents, and providing advice on the case merits and potential compensation (this may be updated as new information arises).
Pre-Claim Conciliation:
Engaging in early conciliation with ACAS where mandatory, to explore settlement opportunities before filing a claim.
Claim Preparation:
- Drafting and filing the claim or response.
- Reviewing and advising on the opposing party’s claim or response.
Negotiations and Settlements:
- Exploring and negotiating settlement opportunities throughout the process.
Loss Schedule Preparation:
-Preparing or reviewing a schedule of loss, which details the compensation being sought.
Document Exchange:
Exchanging relevant documents with the other party and agreeing on a document bundle.
Witness Statements:
- Drafting witness statements, agreeing on content, and preparing witnesses for the hearing.
- Reviewing the other party’s witness statements.
Hearing Preparation:
-Agreeing on a list of issues, a case chronology, and a cast list (key individuals involved).
- Preparing a bundle of documents for the tribunal.
Barrister Involvement:
- Instructing a barrister to represent you at the hearing, if necessary.
What is not included in our costs
The fee indications set out in this section are in respect of steps 1 – 9 above. They do not include any subsequent work – for example representing you at any appeal or review hearing or advising you about the merits of any such appeal or review
Who will provide the services?
Work on your case will be handled by our team of experienced employment law specialists. You can view their professional profiles and expertise [here]. A dedicated Consultant, or Director will supervise all work, ensuring you are regularly updated on the progress of your matter.
Our team brings extensive experience in managing employment disputes and is well-versed in every aspect of employment law. We are committed to staying informed about the latest legal developments to provide you with the highest standard of service.
We ensure that all team members, including junior solicitors, are fully supported and appropriately supervised, so the quality of advice remains consistently excellent, no matter who is working on your case.
Our proven track record includes securing favourable outcomes across a broad spectrum of employment tribunal disputes, including claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, unlawful deductions, breach of contract, and whistleblowing. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our clients.