Employment Tribunal Pricing For Employees & Employers
The estimates and information set out below apply to Employment Tribunal claims for Unfair Dismissal and Wrongful Dismissal, they apply to both claims brought by employees and claims defended by employers.
We regularly advise employers on Employment Tribunal claims, Settlement Agreements and all other aspects of employment disputes.
Our employment lawyers offer clear advice and practical support to help you secure the best available outcome as quickly and simply as possible. We aim to be completely transparent about our pricing, so you can be confident our fees are fair and you are getting good value for money.
Pricing
Our fees for bringing claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal are based on three bands, which we will be happy to discuss with you.
We will advise you of the funding options available to you, for example you may have insurance which can cover your legal fees.
It should be remembered that in employment tribunal claims generally each party pay their own costs and that most cases generally settle or are withdrawn before final hearings which will reduce the costs of the case. The three bands set out below are on the basis that the case is concluded at a final hearing so represent the maximum costs payable.
There are various items we will consider when deciding what band your matter falls into. We will make this assessment and inform you of the relevant fees at the earliest opportunity.
Factors that may influence this include the need for:
- Filling out and submitting a claim form outlining your case to the relevant Tribunal centre
- Reviewing your former employer’s response to the claim
- Reviewing documentation received setting out the factual and legal basis of the claim
- Reviewing any Orders made by the Court
- Making any further applications to a Tribunal on your behalf
- Whether an Employment Tribunal hearing is required
Fees
Initial consultation ONLY which will include up to 1 hour attendance, a review of the papers and 1 advice letter – cost £350 plus VAT of £70.
Initial consultation ONLY which will include up to 1 hour attendance, a review of the papers,1 advice letter and 1 letter to other side – cost £1050 plus VAT of £210.
Whilst it is difficult to give an accurate estimate of the legal costs of conducting a claim, we have provided below some estimates for your information. The estimates are exclusive of disbursements where applicable:
Our fees are based on an hourly rate of between £120 and £350 plus VAT depending on the level of experience of the person handling the claim.
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 are estimated between £1000 and £1500 per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).
We will obtain an accurate fee estimate based on your individual case from Counsel in advance of any hearing.
Exclusions and Factors Which May Make a Case More Complex
In the event that the issues become more complex, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided. Factors that may lead to an increase in cost include:
- If it is necessary to make an application to amend your claim or to provide further information about an existing claim
- Making or defending a costs application
- The conduct of your opponent or legal representative
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether you have a disability (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
- If there are allegations of discrimination linked to the dismissal
- Preliminary issues to be determined by a Tribunal first
Time Scales
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 to 10 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 6 to 9 months.
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 Milestones
There are key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances.
They may be as follows:
- Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on 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;
- Preparing your claim or defence
- Reviewing and advising on the response from 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 witness statements, drafting 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
How Surenity Can Help
Our experienced and specialist team of employment solicitors can provide you with sensible legal advice and representation.
As experienced tribunal advocates, you receive complete consistency in approach from start to finish and can be reassured that your case will be thoroughly researched and prepared.
We will also continually advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of your matter and will assist you in your decision making, to enable you to approach it in the most informed and cost-effective way possible.
