Fee Estimates: Defending Claims for Unfair or Wrongful Dismissal (For Employers)

Our experienced employment specialist is able to assist you in defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal. When acting in such matters costs are calculated based on our hourly fee rates. The cost of your matter will depend upon the complexity however below are the average ranges for simple, medium, and high complexity matters.

Simple matters: £960 to £2000 plus VAT (currently 20%)

Medium complexity case: £2000 to £4000 plus VAT (currently 20%)

High complexity case: £4000 to £15000 plus VAT (currently 20%)

The above costs would include:

• Consideration of contract of employment;
• Consideration of employers handbook;
• Consideration of any disciplinary findings;
• Completion of claim form outlining your case and the nature of the dispute (ET1);
• Liaising with ACAS.

Please note – The above costs do not include Counsel’s fees should we be required to instruct Counsel.

Factors that may increase complexity:

• Attendance at conference(s) with Counsel and at Tribunal hearing;
• Obtaining witness statements;
• Mediation;
• Jurisdictional issues;
• Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person;
• Defending a costs application;
• Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties);
• If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if the employee is dismissed after blowing the whistle on the employer;
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal.

Conversely, as the fees are calculated on an hourly fee basis, if a matter settles early then the cost will be decreased.

Additional disbursements that you may be required to pay:

• Counsel’s fee, if required. Estimated between £300 and£700 per hour depending on seniority plus VAT and travel.
• Tribunal attendance at from £2400 +VAT for counsel’s initial brief. Further refresher fees may be payable if the matter exceeds one day.

Timescales for employment matters will vary according to complexity. We estimate that employment matters are usually concluded in between 3 months to 2 years.

The employment specialist

John Polsue is a Consultant based in London and has 39 years of post-qualification experience in guiding clients on defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal. For a detailed profile of John, click on the link here.

For more information

For more information about using our professional services for defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal, please get in touch either by telephone, email or our website enquiry form.  One of our team would be delighted to speak to you and provide you with a fixed fee bespoke to your needs.