Employment Tribunal Claims – Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal
We provide advice and representation to individuals and businesses bringing or defending unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims in the Employment Tribunal.
We understand that legal costs are an important consideration. We aim to be clear and transparent about our fees from the outset and will provide a more specific estimate once we have considered the circumstances and complexity of your case.
Our Fees
Employment Tribunal work is generally charged at hourly rates of between:
£250 and £300 plus VAT per hour (£300 to £360 including VAT).
The overall cost will depend upon the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, number of witnesses, any preliminary hearings and the length of the final hearing.
For a matter proceeding from ACAS Early Conciliation through to a final hearing, our estimated legal fees are generally:
£21,900 to £32,700 plus VAT (£26,280 to £39,240 including VAT).
Straightforward cases which settle at an early stage may cost considerably less. Complex cases, particularly those involving additional claims such as discrimination or whistleblowing, may cost more.
We will keep you informed about costs throughout your matter.
Who Will Deal With Your Matter?
Employment matters are undertaken by Michael Sawali, Solicitor, and supervised by Davinder Singh Sehmi, Solicitor and Director.
Key Stages and Estimated Costs
The work required will depend upon your case, but may include:
- ACAS Early Conciliation: £1,200 to £1,800 plus VAT
- Preparing the claim or response: £1,800 to £3,600 plus VAT
- Preliminary hearing: £4,500 to £5,700 plus VAT
- Disclosure: £1,800 to £3,600 plus VAT
- Preparation for and attendance at a final hearing: £12,600 to £18,000 plus VAT
These figures are estimates and not fixed fees. We will provide a more tailored estimate once we have reviewed your case.
What Our Fees May Include
Depending upon the scope of your instructions, our work may include:
- Taking instructions and advising on the merits of the claim or defence
- ACAS Early Conciliation
- Preparing or responding to the Employment Tribunal claim
- Reviewing and disclosing documents
- Preparing witness statements
- Correspondence with the other party and the Tribunal
- Preparing for preliminary and final hearings
- Liaising with Counsel where required
- Attending hearings where agreed
- Advising on settlement and the outcome of proceedings
Additional Costs
Disbursements and third-party expenses are payable in addition to our legal fees where required.
These may include Counsel’s fees, expert’s fees and reasonable travel or accommodation expenses.
Counsel’s fees may typically range from approximately £750 to £1,250 plus VAT per day, although the actual fee will depend upon the complexity of the case and the experience of Counsel instructed.
We will discuss any significant additional expenses with you before they are incurred.
There is currently no fee payable simply to issue an Employment Tribunal claim.
What Is Not Included?
Unless specifically agreed, our fees do not include:
- Appeals
- Enforcement of an Employment Tribunal award
- Separate court proceedings
- Counsel’s or expert’s fees
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Work falling outside the agreed scope of your instructions
If additional work becomes necessary, we will discuss the likely costs with you before proceeding.
How Long Will My Case Take?
The timescale will depend upon the complexity of the case and the availability of the Employment Tribunal.
Some matters settle during ACAS Early Conciliation or shortly afterwards. Cases proceeding to a final hearing may take several months to more than a year, with complex cases potentially taking longer.
Employment Tribunal claims are also subject to strict time limits, so legal advice should be obtained promptly.
Alternative Funding
You may have access to legal expenses insurance through a home, business or other insurance policy. Funding or legal assistance may also be available through a trade union or other organisation.
We recommend checking whether alternative funding is available before proceedings are commenced.
Contact Our Employment Law Team
If you require advice about bringing or defending an unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal claim, contact our team to discuss your case and the likely costs.
Telephone: 020 8597 5097
Michael Sawali: ms@mvlegal.co.uk