Disputes & Employment Tribunal claims

We have a track-record of successfully representing employers in connection with a wide-range of disputes and claims, including:-

– Bullying and Harassment

– Unfair Treatment

– Grievances

– Disciplinary matters

– Internal Appeals

– Stress

– Contractual disputes

– Bonus/commission disputes

– Constructive Dismissal

– Wrongful Dismissal

– Unfair Dismissal

– Discrimination and whistle-blowing

– Claims against former employees for breaches of Confidentiality and
Post-termination restrictions (Non-Solicitation/Non-compete clauses)

We work with our clients to resolve employment disputes to their best advantage – whether that’s by negotiating a favourable settlement or successfully defending the employee’s claim.

By drawing on our extensive experience of handling employment claims, we are often able to secure an early tactical advantage by presenting the employer’s case clearly and effectively from the outset.

We also pay particularly close attention to preparations for hearings so as to ensure that all necessary documentary and witness evidence is before the Court or Tribunal to support the employer’s actions and, equally importantly, rebut the employee’s claims and allegations.

We try to minimise the cost and inconvenience to our clients whilst at the same time working to ensure a successful outcome.

Service & Pricing Information for Unfair Dismissal & Wrongful Dismissal claims

All Unfair Dismissal and Wrongful Dismissal claims will be handled by Paul Lane who is a qualified solicitor who has specialised in Employment Law for over 20 years (hourly rate £300 per hour plus VAT). A barrister may be appointed (with your agreement) to represent you at any hearings.

At the start of any case we will discuss your objectives and agree an approach aimed at achieving an outcome which meets your objectives.

Some clients may have (or may wish to take out) legal expenses insurance
which may cover some or all of our fees – this would be discussed when we are instructed.

Unfair Dismissal & Wrongful Dismissal cases

The following costs information relates to a case involving a One Day Hearing:-

Range of Costs; £6,000 – £10,000 plus VAT and disbursements (such as barrister’s fees) dependent on the complexity of the issues. Barristers fees are likely to be between £1,250 – £2,500 plus VAT for preparing for and attending the hearing. The barrister’s fee will depend on the complexity of the case and the seniority of the barrister instructed.

The above pricing will cover the following main stages of the claim:-

– Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on the merits (this will be reviewed throughout the case and may be subject to change)

– Engaging in the ACAS Early Conciliation scheme to explore whether a settlement can be reached

– Preparing the Claim Form or Preparing the Response Form/Defence setting out your case

– Reviewing and advising on the Claim or Defence submitted by the other party

– Preparing or advising on the Schedule of Loss setting out the sums claimed and how these figures are arrived at

– Dealing with the Disclosure of relevant documents and other material, including preparing a List of Documents and liaising with the other side to agree a Bundle of Documents included in ring binder(s)to be used at the Hearing

– Taking and preparing Witness Statements

– Agreeing a List of Issues and/or Chronology

– Dealing with any settlement discussions or negotiations

– Preparing for the Hearing and instructing the barrister who will represent you

– Attending the Hearing (if requested)

Factors which can make a case more complex and affect the pricing include:-

– Where it is necessary to amend a claim or defence
– Dealing with complex issues
– The volume and/or complexity of documents
– The number of witnesses
– Where any hearings or unusual action are required prior to the main Hearing
– Dealing with a party or their representative who is difficult and/or unusually time-consuming

Cases with Hearings lasting 2 Days or more

Costs will inevitably be higher where the hearing of a case is expected to last 2 days or more. This is because more time will be spent at the Hearing itself and the additional length of the hearing means that there is likely to be more witnesses and/or documents and/or the case itself may be more complex. For each additional day, fees of £3,000 -£6,000 plus VAT are likely to be incurred. The barrister’s fee is also likely to increase by between £850 – £1,750 plus VAT for each additional day.

Please Note

The above pricing information is intended to give a guide as to the average cost of bringing or defending Unfair Dismissal or Wrongful Dismissal claims. It does not include costs for dealing with other types of claim brought alongside those claims, such as in relation to discrimination or whistleblowing.