Employment

As most employers appreciate, the pace of change in this area makes it imperative that expert advice is taken at the outset of the employment relationship and in the unfortunate event of a claim being made against you. In the regulated sectors, it is even more important that expert advice, which takes account of the regulatory overlay is sought.

We have specialist employment lawyers who understand the regulated sectors as well as the dynamic employment law background that applies to all employment matters. We cover both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. These include:

  • Drafting employment contracts
  • Preparing policies and handbooks
  • Advice on and representation at employment tribunals
  • Settlement agreements and termination of employment
  • Advice on restrictive covenants and business protection

Like all our advice, in the employment area, we seek pragmatic and workable solutions that fit your needs and requirements.

Pricing

Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal

Simple case: £2,400 to £6,000 (including VAT)

Medium complexity case: £6,000 to 12,000 (including VAT)

High complexity case: £12,000 to £36,000 (including 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
  • Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing of £1,200 per day (including VAT). Generally, we would allow 2-3 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. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Some of these fees, such as court fees may not attract VAT, whilst others, such as counsel’s fees will attract VAT.

Counsel’s fees estimated between £600 to £1,200 (including VAT) 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 claim or response
  • Reviewing and advising on claim or response from 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 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 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 3 and 12 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take up to 26 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.