problems at work?

we can help

same day appointments available

We advise people experiencing all sorts of problems in the workplace. If you have or are experiencing problems at work such as being unfairly treated, discriminated against, feel forced out or are facing redundancy then we can help.

We can advise you and explain, in plain English, what your rights are. We specialise in giving professional practical advice and support in all aspects of employment law.

We can help negotiate and resolve specific issues which you are facing, and provide as much or as little advice and support as you require. If negotiations are not satisfactory we can represent clients at Tribunal.

We advise on Settlement Agreements. We are experienced and strong negotiators and work for people working in a variety of occupations from small businesses to multi national companies.

Our Employment lawyers can provide practical advice on all employment law issues including:

• Contracts of employment
• Disciplinary action and grievance procedures
• Discrimination for sex, race, disability, age
• Health and Safety at work
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Performance improvement plans
• Redundancy and dismissal
• Restrictive covenants
• Representation at Employment Tribunals
• Settlement Agreements (formerly compromise agreements)
• Trade unions
• TUPE
• Unfair dismissal
• Whistle blowing
• Work permits
• Wrongful dismissal and breach of contract

 

employment law fees

fees individuals

For face to face appointments with a solicitor our fees are based on the solicitors hourly charging rate of between £230 to £250.00 + VAT per hour. We also offer telephone advice at the solicitors hourly rate.

settlement agreements

Your fees for legal advice on a settlement agreement will normally be paid by your employer with no fees payable by you.

Pricing for bringing or defending a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal

Basic case

• Price guide £7,000 - £10,000 + vat

Medium complexity case

• Price guide £11,000 - £30,000 + vat

High complexity case

• Price guide – over £30,000 + vat

Who will work on my case?

Guide prices are based on Roger Mullender a senior solicitor experienced in employment law conducting your case - hourly charging rate £250 + VAT

Anne-Marie Smith a senior solicitor may also work on your case supervised by Roger Mullender.

There will be an additional charge for attending a tribunal hearing from £900 to £1,500 per day depending upon seniority

What makes employment law cases more complex?
There are many issues than can drive the costs in your case including:-

• Defending claims by claimants acting without a lawyer (litigant in person)
• The conduct and behaviour of the other party
• Defending applications in the proceedings
• Preparation and attendance at interim hearings
• Number of witnesses
• Extent and volume of documentation
• Complex preliminary issues to be resolved such ie where disability is not accepted
• Dealing with allegations of discrimination or other claims in addition to unfair dismissal
• Applications to the Tribunal for compliance with directions
• Requests for further and better particulars of a claim
• Judicial mediation or other forms of mediation
• Expert tax or pension advice
• Cases that do not settle through negotiation

What’s included in the price guide?

• Taking your instructions of what has happened
• Obtaining relevant evidence in your possession
• Drafting and submitting the Claim form (ET1) and a schedule of losses incurred to be claimed
• Reviewing the Response form (ET3)
• Considering the merits of your case ie strengths and weaknesses
• Exploring settlement and negotiations throughout the case
• Preparation of a list of relevant documents
• Agreeing a list of issues, chronology and a bundle of documents with the other party
• Taking witness statements
• Considering the other parties witness statements
• Instructing a barrister

Disbursements

These are costs in your case payable to third parties on your behalf such as court fees, experts or barristers fees. The level of disbursements can vary greatly from case to case depending on the specific requirements in the case. Where these are payable we will ask you to put money on account in advance before we make the payment on your behalf.

Barristers fees

If your case goes to a full merits hearing to determine the outcome to the claim we will instruct a specialist employment law barrister to conduct the advocacy. Barristers fees are likely to be between £1,500 and £5,000 per day plus VAT depending on the seniority of the barrister, complexity of the case and volume of documents. We may seek a barristers opinion on specific issues in your case and as a guide counsels opinion or advice would be around £750.00 to £1,500 + VAT depending on complexity.

How long will my case 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 and how busy the regional tribunal centre is. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 6-9 months. 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.

Vat

Vat is currently charged at 20%