The average cost of services in this area does depend on the level of complexity of the case.

The average range of costs for each range of work is only an estimate and we cannot guarantee that actual costs to you in performing this work will be as referred to here. For all cases, you should apply to the office for a more detailed estimate of costs and work to be done.

For example, if there are other claims being brought in addition to an unfair/wrongful dismissal claim, such as discrimination, this will impact on the cost estimate.

Additionally there may be other funding options available to the client such as cover under an insurance policy and this will be checked at the first appointment.

Generally speaking once instructions are received it is necessary to draft a claim form outlining the client’s case and nature of dispute. The employer then has a fixed time in which to provide a response to the claim.

The claim form normally sets out details of fact in relation to the claim and the legal basis for it.

During the course of the claim, various orders are made by the Employment Tribunal and if you do not comply with an order, you risk a strike out of part or all of your claim, similarly the employer’s response.

From time to time the Tribunal may make a provisional decision during the course of the legal action, which sets out directions and deals with any preliminary points.

Saul is the Principal of the firm and conducts the employment work. Saul has a LLB degree from the University of West London. Saul qualified as a Solicitor in March 1984, his initial experience being in Civil Litigation and started the practice on 1 May 1999.

Saul is assisted by Paralegals who have legal academic qualifications and work under Saul’s supervision and receive training within our firm.

Saul Marine hourly rate – £290.00 plus VAT (£58.00 ) Totalling £348.00 per hour
Paralegal hourly rate – £120.00 plus VAT (£24.00 ) totalling £144.00 per hour

Generally speaking one would expect the approximate legal fees for a simple case of unfair/wrongful dismissal to be in the region of £3000 plus VAT of £600 totalling £3600 to £5000.00 plus VAT” insert “of £1000 totalling £6000 excluding the hearing.

This is not a quote for your particular matter and please apply to our office for a more accurate estimate.
Factors that could make a simple case more complex is where it may be necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims:

  1. Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person;
  2. Making or defending a costs application;
  3. Dealing with complex preliminary issues such as whether the Claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties);
  4. The number of witnesses and documents;
  5. If this is an automatic unfair dismissal claim example if you’re dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer;
  6. Allegations of discrimination which are linked to dismissal.

Where appropriate, there may be an additional charge for attending a tribunal hearing estimated at £250 plus VAT of £50 totalling £300 for ½ day to £500 plus VAT of £100 totalling £600 per day which will cover the attendance by our Paralegal.

In a simple case, we would anticipate a hearing for one day depending on the case and in more complex cases the tribunal hearing can range between 2 to 5 days.
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of the claim:

Taking initial instructions, reviewing papers and advising on merits and lack of 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 responses from other parties;
  • 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 parties in agreeing a bundle of documents;
  • Taking witness statements drafting statements in agreeing their content with witnesses;
  • Preparing bundle of documents;
  • Reviewing advising on the other parties witness statements;
  • Agreeing a list of issues chronology and case list;
  • Preparing attendance at final hearing including instructions to Counsel

Disbursements

These are costs that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smooth process Currently there are no court fees payable to the Employment Tribunal.

In all cases, specialist employment Barrister will be instructed on your behalf, who works in specialist Employment Chambers and their fees will range between £1500 plus VAT of £300 totalling £800 to £2500 plus VAT of £500 totalling £3000 per day (depending on the experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to 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 4 to 8 weeks.

If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing your case is likely to take 20 to 24 weeks. 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.