Please find below our estimated charges for bringing and defending claims for unfair dismissal in the employment tribunal.
In any given case, the charge will differ depending on the length and complexity of the claim. However, we have given three examples of claims we typically encounter and the factors which might influence which category a particular case might fall into.
Although our Employment Team are confident advocates and regularly represent clients in person in employment tribunal claims and court proceedings, for the medium and higher complexity cases, the charges are calculated up to the point of the Final Hearing. We have then set out the anticipated further charge separately if we were to appear on your behalf or if the decision was taken to instruct counsel.
For example, a case where unfair or wrongful dismissal is the sole claim and the matter is fast tracked to a one-day hearing.
£8,480 + VAT (£10,176) based on 32 hours’ work if we conduct the advocacy.
In the region of £8,920 + VAT (£10,704) to £9,420 + VAT (£11,304) based on 28 hours’ work and estimated counsel’s fees of £1,500 + VAT (£1,800) to £2,000 + VAT (£2,400) if we instruct.
For example, a case with additional claims to unfair or wrongful dismissals, such as discrimination, or an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim requiring a Preliminary Hearing. Perhaps because the complaint is one of constructive dismissal, or where the case is listed for a Final Hearing of two or three days’ duration.
In the region of £10,070 + VAT (£12,084), plus
£2,120 + VAT (£2,544) for the First day of the Final Hearing and £1,590 + VAT (£1,908) for the second and subsequent days of the of the Final Hearing (so in the region of £13,780 + VAT (£16,536) for a two-day hearing case.
For example, an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim involving multiple discrimination complaints or complex ancillary matters such as whistleblowing allegations, where the case is listed for a Final Hearing of two or more days’ duration.
These costs can be from £12,720 + VAT (£15,264) based on 48 hours of work plus:
£2,120 + VAT (£2,544) for the First day of the Final Hearing and £1,590 + VAT (£1,908) the second and subsequent days of the Final Hearing (so from £17,444 + VAT (£20,932) for a three-day tribunal hearing.
The following factors mat make a case more complex:
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:
The stages set out above are an indication only. If some of these are not required, the charges will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice during some of the stages. This can be arranged to suit your individual needs.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Examples of disbursements in an employment tribunal claim include:
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 two to four weeks.
However, if your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case will likely take much longer, perhaps 16 weeks or more. 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.
Your matter will be handled by a suitable member of our employment team depending on the relative complexity of your case.
In some instances several members of our employment team may work on your matter if it is more cost effective for you for this to occur e.g your matter may be handled by a junior solicitor who is supervised by a more experienced member of the team. You can find details of our employment team and their experience here.
