Our Fees: For Employers

Our pricing for defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal.

Our legal fees will vary depending upon the complexity of the case. Our fees are charged on an hourly rate (depending on the experience of the lawyer).  In addition VAT will be charged on our fees at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.

An estimate of our likely fees based on an hourly rate are as follows:

Factors that could make a case more complex:

Factors that could make a case more complex:

• if it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide information about an existing claim;
• claims that are brought by or against litigants in person;
• making or defending a costs application;
• complex preliminary issues such as whether the client is under a disability (if this is not agreed by the parties);
• TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings) issues
• 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 it is part of an action affecting numerous Claimants or Respondents

The costs will also vary depending upon at what stage the case is resolved. For example, if the case is settled during the early stages of the claim, then the costs will be less than if the case proceeds to a Final Hearing. Costs will also depend on the number of days the Hearing has been listed for and whether there are any Preliminary Hearing/Hearings.

Disbursements

Disbursements are expenses related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Barrister’s fees vary per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

An estimate of barrister’s fees per day instructed to advise and/or represent you at a hearing is as follows:

Key stages

Key stages

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

• Conflict of interest check
• Initial advice – to include meeting, taking instructions considering documentation
• Obtain Anti-Money Laundering proof of Identity form you
• Liaise with ACAS during the early conciliation process
• Considering ET1 (applicant’s claim form outlining the case and the nature of the dispute) and taking instructions on the same
• Drafting ET3 (the response form) setting out the grounds upon which the claim is disputed.
• Complying with directions
• Preparing list of documents and considering the Claimant’s documents then taking instructions on the same
• Considering Claimant’s Schedule of Loss and preparing Counter Schedule
• Preparing statements from your witnesses
• Considering Claimant’s (your employee’s) witness evidence and taking instructions from you in respect of the same
• Preparing bundle for the Hearing

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of the 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 it 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 early conciliation, your case is likely to take three to six months.

If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take twelve to eighteen months. However, this estimate is subject to the Employment Tribunal listing dates.

This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information.

Our Team

more information

For more information on Watkins & Gunn Employment services for Employees & to meet our team of expert lawyers, click here.

Your Problem Solved

We’ll give you jargon-free advice without any hidden costs.