Funding Your Employment Law Claim
How much does it cost to bring an unfair dismissal claim?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to take all employment law cases on a no win no fee basis, but if you wish us to review your case to see if it is suitable for no win no fee please complete this form or email details of your claim, to info@dsmlegal.co.uk and we will contact you.
Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair dismissal/discrimination (based on our hourly rates of £235.00 + VAT):
Simple case: £3,500.00 – £6,500.00 (plus VAT)
Medium complexity case: £6,000.00 – £12,000.00 (plus VAT)
High complexity case: £13,000.00 – £20,000.00 (plus 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 £1250.00 per day (plus VAT). Generally, we would allow 1 – 2 days.
Additional costs
We will instruct Counsel to represent you at all hearings – including preliminary hearings. Counsel’s fees are estimated at between £1,000.00 to £1,750.00 per day plus VAT (depending on the experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).
Travel expenses are unlikely to exceed £200.00. Expert’s reports (if necessary) can vary between £500.00 – £3,500.00).
The above are estimates and costs will vary on a case by case basis. We will be able to provide more accurate estimates of costs once we are able to assess your case.
What is not included
Any claim other than unfair dismissal, eg discrimination claims. Discrimination cases are generally more complex and hearings can run from 3 to 5 days. An estimate of costs based on our hourly rates can be provided once we have assessed your case.
An application for a reconsideration of the Tribunal’s judgment or an appeal.
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 up to 12 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 25 – 52 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.
What to do next
If you have looked at our website and believe you have an employment tribunal claim contact us for further information.
Call us on 01925 937070 or email us at info@dsmlegal.co.uk. Please indicate in the subject header what type of claim you have.
Before contacting us you may wish to telephone ACAS on 0300 123 1100 (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or visit their website www.acas.org.uk. ACAS can provide initial advice. Alternatively you can make an appointment at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – find your local CAB office by clicking here.
