Our policies

Price transparency

We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (the SRA). The SRA has published Transparency Rules to make sure that consumers have adequate information to make an informed choice about using a solicitor and the costs that might be involved in certain matters.

In line with those rules, we set out below some information around the costs of bringing ordinary unfair dismissal and/or wrongful dismissal claims in the Employment Tribunal.  This information is a guide only and is not a quote for our costs which will vary depending on a multitude of factors. It does, however, provide an indication of likely costs for a straightforward unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal claim.  

The costs referred to do not include disbursements.  More complex claims such as those involving discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE Regulations or other matters will almost certainly involve higher costs than those referred to.

You should always check whether you have insurance for any claims.  Some household insurance policies provide insurance cover for the costs of Employment Tribunal or other types of legal claim.

  • Simple case (1 day) : £8k - £15k (plus VAT at 20%)

  • Medium complexity (3 days) : £15k - £40k (plus VAT at 20%)

  • High complexity case (over 3 days) : £40k - £100k plus (plus VAT at 20%)

We normally charge based on hourly rates although we do also agree fixed fees.  Please chat to a member of our team if you would like a fixed fee quote. 

In the case of hourly rates, we generally charge based on the level of experience of the member of staff dealing with your case.  Our hourly rates vary between £200 and £400 per hour plus VAT for a qualified solicitor.  Other non solicitor staff may also assist in your case.  This can sometimes be more cost effective for certain types of work involved in your case whilst still providing for a high level of service because all of our fee earner whether qualified solicitors or not, are significantly experienced.

Key stages

The range of fees summarised above is intended to address the typical stages of a claim in the Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal and/or wrongful dismissal claims (in respect of notice periods). These stages may include:

  • taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and potential compensation (this is likely to __ be revisited throughout the matter and will be subject to change);

  • entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;

  • preparing your claim or response (as applicable);

  • 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 witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing content with witnesses;

  • preparing a bundle of documents for trial;

  • reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements;

  • agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or a cast list; and

  • preparation and attendance at a Final Hearing, including giving instructions to a barrister.

Depending on the complexity of the matter and the specific work required the range of fees estimated above may increase or decrease. Further, you may wish to handle the claim yourself in whole or in part and only seek our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with a member of our team and may positively impact the related costs.

Examples of factors that can impact your costs 

There are a number of factors which can impact on the cost of your matter.  The following are examples but this is not an exhaustive list as new issues can arise which are unforeseen and which impact and increase the time and costs involved.

  • Preliminary hearings (hearing to decide specific issues and which which are additional to any final hearing)

  • Having 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 (someone who is not represented by a lawyer or other __lrepresentative;

  • Making or defending an application for costs;

  • Dealing with complex preliminary issues (for example whether a claim has been brought within the time-limits);

  • The number of witnesses and documents;

  • The length of the final hearing.

  • Employment Tribunal hearings can take anything from 1 day upwards.  Most hearings are between 1 and 5 days but some can be longer – for example if there are complex issues, a large volume of documentation or high numbers of witnesses.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter payable to third parties such as barristers and court fees.

You will be responsible for all sums charged by third parties. We may arrange for you to be invoiced direct by them or we may handle the payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Employment Tribunals do not currently charge fees for bringing or defending claims but there may be courier or copying charges, for example, in preparing disclosure or bundles of documents for the Employment Tribunal.

The fees for a barrister will depend on the specific barrister, their experience, the complexity of the issues, the volume of documentation, the amount of work they need to undertake and the length of the hearing. They also vary between barristers’ chambers as different chambers have different fee rates. As a guide, barrister’s fees could be anything between £750 - £5,000 per day excluding VAT, charged at 20% (depending on seniority and experience of the barrister and the complexity of your case) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation). We realise that this is a wide range but it is very much dependent on the level of experience of the barrister involved.

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from receiving your initial instructions to the final conclusion of your matter will depend on the specific circumstances.  If a settlement is reached relatively early on, your case could take 4-8 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case could take 6-18 months.

However, these are estimates and Employment Tribunal resources are currently under pressure, and there can be substantial delays in getting hearing dates, especially for longer hearings. We’ll be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.