The complexity of bringing or defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal can vary significantly from case to case. For this reason, we have set out below a range of fees for cases of low, medium and high complexity together with additional guidance on the sort of factors that can make a case more complex.
We charge for our services by the hour and the price ranges from £230 to £245 per hour.
Our fees for bringing and defending a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal:
Simple case: £3,000 – £5,000 plus VAT of £600 – £1,000
Medium complexity case: £4,000 – £8,000 plus VAT of £800 – £1,600
High complexity case: £7,000 – £13,000 plus VAT of £1,400 – £2,600
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” (people representing themselves)
- Making or defending an application for payment of costs
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if such issues are 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
- Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
- If there is a requirement for expert evidence to be obtained
- If a separate hearing is required to decide the amount of the compensation
There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing of £750 per day plus VAT of £150. A typical Tribunal Hearing can take 1–3 days, depending on the complexity of the case.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Tribunal fees, expert’s fees and barrister’s fees (called Counsel’s fees).
Counsel’s fees estimated between £500 to £750 plus VAT of £100 to £150 per day (depending on experience of the barrister and the complexity of the issues) 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 the strength of the claim and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)
- Entering into “pre-claim conciliation” with ACAS where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached
- Preparing a claim or a response to a claim
- Reviewing and advising on a claim or response from the other party
- Exploring the prospect of settling the claim and negotiating potential settlement throughout the process
- Preparing or considering a “Schedule of Loss” to set out the amount of compensation that is claimed
- Preparing for, and attending, a Preliminary Hearing
- Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a “bundle of documents” for use at the final hearing
- 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
- Preparation and attendance at a Final Hearing, including preparing instructions to Counsel
These stages are an indication. Some of the stages may not be required in your particular claim and, if that is the case, our fees will be reduced (within the range of fees above). 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 to 4 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take between 5 to 9 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.
Who will work for me?
Mark Serby and Holly Dobson are experienced employment lawyers. Please click on their names for details of Mark and Holly’s qualifications and experience.
