Pricing information for defending unfair and wrongful dismissal claims

We will charge for work based on the time spent working for you and the hourly rate of the person(s) carrying out the work.

We will set out in writing the estimate for our fees, VAT and disbursements based on your instructions and circumstances of your case and what work we will do for you, including assumptions and exclusions.

Our average pricing for defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal:

• Simple case: £5,000 – £10,000 plus VAT
• Medium complexity case: £10,000 – £20,000 plus VAT
• High complexity case: £20,000 – £35,000 plus VAT

If your case is for wrongful dismissal only, your costs will be less than those set out above.

Factors that could 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 or bringing claims that are brought by litigants in person (where the claimant or respondent acts without legal representation).
• Making or defending a costs application.
• Where a preliminary hearing is required to determine issues including strike out orders or issues of fact.
• 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.
• Where there are other claims being brought alongside the unfair/wrongful dismissal claim i.e. allegations of discrimination.
• Obtaining medical evidence, actuarial advice or expert advice.
• Multiple claimants or respondents.

Disbursements

In addition to our fees, you may incur other costs in connection with your case. These are referred to as disbursements.

We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

• Barrister fees: A Barrister is instructed to conduct the advocacy at any Employment Tribunal hearing.
  • Barrister’s fees for Preliminary Hearing – £500 – £2,500 plus VAT
  • Barrister’s fees for Final Hearing – £1,000 – £5,000 plus VAT (preparation and first day) and £500 – £2,000 plus VAT (for each additional day)

Please note that Barrister fees depend on the experience of the Barrister, the nature of the hearing and the complexity of the case.

• Expert fees or medical fees: they will also charge fees for their report and any attendance at any hearing.

Key Stages

The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:

• Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached
• Preparing claim or response
• Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party
• Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
• Preparing or considering a schedule of loss
• Prepare list of documents for disclosure, exchange of documents with the other party and review of the documents provided
• Agreeing and preparing a bundle of documents
• Prepare for (including completing agenda for case management Hearing) and attend preliminary Hearing) if instructed to do so.
• Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
• Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
• Prepare instructions to Counsel to attend final Hearing
• Prepare for final Hearing

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

How long will my matter take?

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 between 1 to 3 months. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 12 – 18 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.

Funding

There are a number of ways in which your liability for legal fees and expenses may be met. This includes:

• Legal expenses insurance under the terms of your household or car insurance policies in which to pursue a claim
• Damages-Based Agreement
• Trade union funding

Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss our costs and answer any questions which you may have in respect of the same. We can also give you an honest assessment of whether you would benefit from advice and discuss in general terms your options before you become a client.