Costs Generally

While it can be difficult to provide a general estimate of costs here for dealing with many employment law matters – some are quite simple and others can be complex and protracted – we will endeavour to provide you with a best fee estimate based on how long we think it will take to deal with your specific matter.

We currently charge an hourly rate of £250 plus VAT charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20% (Total £300 including VAT).

VAT

Where VAT is charged it will be charged at the prevailing rate at the time, which is currently 20%.

Employment Tribunal Costs

We set out below our typical costs for bringing and defending unfair and wrongful dismissal claims in the Employment Tribunal.

Simple cases

£7,500 – £10,000 + VAT

Medium Complexity cases

£10,000 – £15,000 + VAT

Complex cases

£15,000 – £20,000 + VAT

Factors that can make a case more complex:
  • 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 or TUPE.
  • Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal.

Additional charges for our solicitors to attend a Tribunal Hearing are in the region of £1,750+ VAT per day.

Generally, Tribunal Hearings take between 1 and 5 days depending on the complexity of the case.

For an estimate of costs in relation to your specific claim(s), please contact us.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as printing, copying and travel costs. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. VAT will be charged on disbursements (such as third party printing or copying, postage).

Barrister’s fees typically fall between £1,250 to £2,000 per day for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation). These costs will vary depending on the experience of the barrister and the length of the hearing.

Timescales

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. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 6-8 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 26 to 52 weeks. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Key stages

The typical costs set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of an employment tribunal claim:

  • Taking initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be kept under review and subject to change)
  • Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;
  • Preparing the claim or response
  • Reviewing and advising on the claim or response from the other party
  • Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
  • Preparing or considering a schedule of loss
  • Preparing for (and attending) a Preliminary Hearing
  • Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
  • Taking and drafting witness statements, and agreeing their content with witnesses
  • Preparing bundle of documents
  • Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
  • Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
  • Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

The stages set out above are an indication of those that may be required; if some are not required the fee will be reduced. You may want to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to certain aspects of the claim or in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged as required.

It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above.  However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.

Contact us today