Employment tribunals

When a dispute or discrimination at work cannot be resolved through internal disciplinary or grievance procedures, the next step may be to take your complaint to an employment tribunal.

If it rules in your favour, a tribunal could reinstate you or award financial compensation. You can apply to a tribunal about:

• unfair dismissal
• constructive dismissal
• failure to consult over redundancy
• breach of contract
• equal pay disputes
• discrimination about your age, race, gender, sexual orientation
• religious beliefs or disability
• incorrect disciplinary and grievance procedures

Bringing claims such as these can be complex.  At Myers & Co our specialist employment solicitors will give you constructive advice on your specific circumstances, and guide you through the options. They can advise you on your options, draft and submit your claim, deal with the case management directions and witness statements and represent you at the tribunal hearing.

We know how to present your case so that it has the best chance of success, and will work with you to achieve the result you deserve.

How much will it cost?

The amount we charge depends on all the circumstances of the case, but the main factor is the time spent by us in dealing with it. Other factors include: the type of claim made, the number of witnesses on each side, and the complexity of the matter.  We will discuss this with you if we are instructed and provide you with a detailed estimate; if you wish you can set an upper limit on those costs. Our usual hourly rate for employment matters is £220 plus VAT.

As an example, the average cost of a straightforward claim for unfair dismissal lasting a day in the employment tribunal is likely to be £5,000 plus VAT. In addition, other charges may also be payable, such as counsel’s fees for representation at the hearing. They are likely to be £1,750 in this example, plus VAT.

However, as each case is different, we can only provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs after our initial meeting once we have a full understanding of the case. If there are unexpected complications along the way, we will keep you informed and advise you on the likely cost implications.

You will also need to pay for other expenses which are costs relating to your matter that are incurred by us. For example, there will be an electronic identification checking fee of £4 plus VAT per person (which is part of our anti-money laundering obligation) or mileage costs if travel is necessary.

Please note that your costs incurred with this firm cannot be recovered directly from the Respondent even if they lose the claim, however, the tribunal may make a costs order in your favour in certain cases. We will discuss with you, if appropriate, how you may recover any costs you may be awarded.

How long will it take?

No two cases are the same, so it is difficult to give an exact time frame, but we will be able to give you a better time estimate when we have full details of the matter. However, on average a straightforward claim in the employment tribunal takes between 6 and 12 months from the date of the issue of the ET1 to the date of the hearing.

Qualified and experienced team

Our employment law team has years of experience and has helped hundreds of people to resolve employment issues.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, our specialist employment solicitors offer independent legal advice and representation on all types of employment law problems throughout the Staffordshire, Cheshire, the Midlands and beyond. To find out more, contact us on 01782 577 000.