EMPLOYMENT

It is difficult to ascertain the fee that will be incurred for each employment matter as each case is unique. Therefore the following factors are to be taken into consideration (including but not limited to):

  • Where there is a dispute as to whether the claimant is disabled
  • The amount of documents
  • The number of witnesses
  • Any allegations of dismissal
  • If the dismissal occurred as result of whistle blowing
  • Initiating or defending a costs application

Our fees are based on the following and on the assumption that the parties are in agreement and any third parties instructed to undertake work will do so in a timely manner:

Obtaining initial instructions of case, perusing and considering the papers and employment manuals, reviewing the contracts of employment before advising you on the merits of the case and possible compensation. Please note that this is likely to change and therefore will be reviewed throughout the case

  • Drafting and considering a letter before action
  • Collate and reviewing medical records
  • Commence pre-claim reconciliation with ACAS (to discuss settlement before issuing proceedings)
  • Draft claim or defence
  • Considering and advising on claim or response from other party
  • Negotiations on settlement
  • Drafting and considering a schedule of loss in the case
  • Preparations for attending a Preliminary Hearing
  • Exchange of documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle (document)
  • Obtaining instructions for witness statements, drafting statements and confirming same with witnesses
  • Preparing and collating documents for the preliminary hearing, final hearing or remedy hearing
  • Considering and advising on the other party's witness statements
  • Preparations for, and attendance at a Preliminary Hearing
  • Agreeing a list of matters, a chronology and/or witness list
  • Arranging conference with barristers if necessary
  • Considering and reviewing barrister’s notes, arguments and opinions
  • Make necessary preparation, attend preliminary hearings, final hearings or remedy hearings
  • Receive payment/compensation
  • Finally, negotiate terms of settlement

How much will issuing or defending a claim be?

Your case will be conducted by a Solicitor and experienced paralegal depending on the complexities of each case:

  • Grade A (Solicitors with over 8 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE)) - £301.00 plus VAT (£60.20)
  • Grade B (Solicitors with over 4 years PQE) - £247 plus VAT (£49.40)
  • Grade C (Solicitors with less than 4 years PQE) - £197 plus VAT (£39.40)
  • Grade D (Trainee Solicitors / Experienced paralegals) - £138.00 plus VAT (£27.60)

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs due to third parties regarding your case, such as:

  • Medical and Occupational Health reports
  • Company search fees
  • Mediators fees (if the parties agree to settle through mediation)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We are able to assist you with the payment of disbursement to ensure a smoother process.

Please note that the above fee does not include barristers’ fees. This can range from £1,200 to £3,500 (inclusive of VAT) per day (depending on experience of the barrister and the complexity of the issues involved) for attending a tribunal, preliminary, final or remedy hearing (including, perusal, advice, drafting and preparation of documents).

Duration of case

The duration of case depends on the stage at which the parties reach an agreement. This is also dependent on when the case is allocated by the Employment Tribunal. Therefore, if an agreement is reached by the parties during conciliation stages, your case may take up to 2-3 months (this is only an estimate).

In the event that it proceeds to a final hearing, the case may take between one year to 19 months. Further information on the time scale will be available upon receipt of instructions and as the case progresses.

Conduct of your case – our employment law team have cognate experience in dealing with employment disputes. Our solicitors have experience in all aspects of employment law, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring our knowledge stays up to date, in order to give you the best service possible.