Our Employment Costs

Whenever possible, if we are able to predict the number of hours of work required to achieve the desired outcome for you, we can offer a fixed fee for our service. If we are unable to offer a fixed fee, we will provide you with the estimate and we will regularly update you with regards to the costs, so you are never surprised with the final bill.

With this in mind, we can promise you that:

1. We will be open and transparent about our fees and, where fixed fees are not applicable, we will ensure that you receive an estimate on the likely cost of your case at the very outset;
2. If there is a need for us to incur any additional costs, we will contact you before we do and will explain our reasons why; and
3. We promise that any invoices that we send to you will be clear, set out a description of the work done and the amount charged.

Please contact us directly, if you wish to enquire about pricing of the full range of our services, including:

• Drafting contracts of employment and advising in respect of its terms;
• Drafting employee handbooks and company policies and advising in respect of its terms;
• Advising in respect of disciplinary and grievance procedures;
• Representation in the Employment Tribunal; and
• Drafting or advising in respect of compromise (settlement) agreements.

Every case is different, however. By way of example, below you will find our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a fixed fee for this particular service. The total costs depends on the stage the case will conclude, as it may settle early or proceed to the final hearing, and the pricing bracket reflects that.

Estimated costs in unfair dismissal case

• Simple case: £1,000-£5,000 (excluding VAT)
• Medium complexity case: £3,000-£10,000 (excluding VAT)
• High complexity case: £5,000-£30,000 (excluding VAT)

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 claims that are brought by litigants in person;
• Making or defending a costs application;
• Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (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; and
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal.

There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing, if required, of between £1,000 – £2,500 per day (excluding VAT), depending on seniority of the lawyer attending the Tribunal. Generally, we would allow 1-5 days depending on the complexity of your case.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees or Counsel fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Counsel’s fees usually are between £1,000 to £5,000 per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

Key stages

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

• 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 a claim or response;
• Reviewing and advising on 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 their content with witnesses;
• Preparing a bundle of documents;
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements;
• Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list; and
• Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel.

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 2-6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 6-12 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.