Personal Employment

We all know that problems at work can often affect all areas of your life and your loved ones. Therefore, it is vital that you understand your legal rights and are protected.

The first step should be to speak with your manager. If you feel you cannot do this, or the problem is a serious one, then we are happy to advise you on the best course of action DF Legal can advise you, and where appropriate, provide representation.

Our Cheltenham and Stroud offices offer a centre for our employment team that can assist you with any issues in relation to your employment.

We are proud to have secured the services of a Barrister who specialises in employment law and works exclusively for us. This service ensures that you get the best possible advice right from the start of your case.

DF Legal specialise in employment law and are able to assist in a wide range of issues including:-

 

  1. Unfair dismissal claims
  2. Wrongful dismissal claims
  3. Redundancy and related matters
  4. Disciplinary and grievance procedures
  5. Discrimination – sex, race, age, disability and gender
  6. Compromise agreements
  7. TUPE
Costs for Employment Tribunal

The Costs of an Employment Tribunal will vary depending upon the complexity of the claim, and we will explain the likely steps in your case and keep you regularly updated on the issue of costs.

We employ lawyers with different levels of experience and qualifications, the details of solicitor/s that will be working on your case, and their rates will be set out in our engagement letter but as a guide the hourly charges are as follows.

Partner – £275 plus VAT (£330 inc VAT)
Solicitor – £225 plus VAT (£270 inc VAT)
Paralegal – £160 plus VAT (£192 inc VAT)

Pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal

The pricing information set out below is applicable for those wishing to pursue a Simple claim at the Tribunal as a claimant. If you are in the process of defending such a claim please refer to the Disputed Cases Pricing information below.

Pre-Tribunal proceedings: up to £2,500 plus VAT (£3,000 inc VAT)

Issuing the relevant preliminary letter and entering into discussions with the employer and engaging the ACAS Early Conciliation (EC) process if required. The EC process is required to be used before a claim can be submitted to the Tribunal. Failure to comply with this requirement can impact upon your compensation amount at the Tribunal.

Post-issuing of claim and to a final hearing at Tribunal: £7,500-£10,000 plus VAT (£9,000-£12,000 inc VAT)

This will involve dealing with the claim after issuing at the Tribunal and may require the following to be carried out:

  • Drafting of your ET1 Claim Form
  • Preparation of witness statements
  • Review of evidence and documents
  • Preparation of a hearing bundle
  • Attendance at preliminary hearing(s) and a final hearing

Additional factors could make a case more complicated and result in increased costs, below a list, but not an exhaustive list, of some of these factors.

  • If it is necessary to make an application such as for directions to decide a preliminary issue
  • The number of witnesses and documents
  • Where witness summons applications are required or supplemental statements are necessary
  • Where unexpected information and/or documents are introduced at a late stage of the proceedings
  • Where transcripts are required
  • Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
  • Level of co-operation between the parties throughout the matter
  • Delays with the Employment Tribunal processing documents and/or listing matter for final hearing
  • If several hearings are required
  • The requirement for advice from counsel

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees and barristers fees, also known as Counsel’s fees. As of July 2017, Employment Tribunal fees were ruled to be unlawful, and therefore there is no longer a requirement to pay a court fee when you issue a claim at the Tribunal. This also means there is no court fee in relation to making applications, listing the claim for a final hearing or making an appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The key disbursement to bear in mind is the cost of a barrister who would advocate at your hearing in front of a judge.

Likely disbursements and average costs in that respect are as follows (although each case will need to be assessed on its own facts):

  • Barrister’s fees for provision of preliminary advice – average of £500 plus VAT (£600 inc VAT)
  • Barrister’s fees for drafting ET1 claim form – average of £500 plus VAT (£600 inc VAT)
  • Barrister’s attendance at a preliminary hearing – average of £800 plus VAT (£960 inc VAT)
  • Barrister’s attendance at a final hearing for 1 day – average of £1,500 plus VAT (£1,800 inc VAT)
  • Requesting medical records and disclosure – average £50 plus VAT (£60 inc VAT)
Who will act on your behalf?

All matters will be supervised by Jack Henry who is a Partner and in house barrister here at DF Legal LLP.

We are here to help and can also advise on the contents of Compromise Agreements and variations of your Contract of Employment.

Whatever your problem, we are happy to discuss how we can help you. You can call and speak to us on 01242 583434.

For details on how DF Legal LLP can help Employers please click here.

Contact our employment department