Employment Tribunal Fees for Employers

Employment Tribunal Solicitors for Employers in London

Defending an Employment Tribunal claim can be time-consuming, disruptive and costly for employers. Obtaining early legal advice can help businesses understand their position, assess risk and manage claims effectively.

At The Legal Practice Solicitors, we advise employers and businesses on a wide range of employment law matters, including Employment Tribunal claims, disciplinary issues, grievances, redundancies, discrimination claims and settlement agreements.

We provide practical and commercially focused advice to employers throughout London, Hertfordshire and across England and Wales.

Please note that we primarily act for employers and businesses and do not generally advise employees in relation to Employment Tribunal claims.

Employment Law Solicitors Serving Employers Throughout London

We advise businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, family-run businesses, partnerships, limited companies and professional practices.

Our employment law team regularly advises employers in relation to:

  • Unfair dismissal claims
  • Wrongful dismissal claims
  • Redundancy processes
  • Discrimination claims
  • Harassment claims
  • Whistleblowing claims
  • Settlement agreements
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • Grievance procedures
  • Employment contracts and policies
  • Employment Tribunal proceedings

Our Employment Tribunal Fees

The fees below are intended as a guide for defending Employment Tribunal claims. Every matter is different and costs will depend upon the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses involved and the issues in dispute.

VAT is currently charged at 20%. Where VAT rates change, the amount payable will be adjusted accordingly.

Initial Review and Advice

From £500 plus VAT (£600 including VAT)

This service is suitable where:

  • Reviewing claim documentation
  • Assessing the merits of the claim
  • Initial advice regarding prospects and strategy
  • Discussing potential settlement options
  • Advice regarding procedural requirements

Preparing and Submitting the ET3 Response

From £1,500 plus VAT (£1,800 including VAT)

This service is suitable where:

  • Reviewing the ET1 claim
  • Taking detailed instructions
  • Preparing the ET3 response
  • Drafting grounds of resistance
  • Filing the response with the Employment Tribunal

Defending an Employment Tribunal Claim

Simple Claims

Typically £5,000 to £10,000 plus VAT

Examples may include:

  • Straightforward unfair dismissal claims
  • Wrongful dismissal claims
  • Unlawful deduction from wages claims

This may include:

  • Reviewing documentation
  • Advising on prospects
  • Preparing witness statements
  • Preparing disclosure
  • Correspondence with the Tribunal
  • Attendance at preliminary hearings where required

Medium Complexity Claims

Typically £10,000 to £20,000 plus VAT

Examples may include:

  • Claims involving multiple allegations
  • Redundancy disputes
  • Cases involving several witnesses
  • Claims requiring extensive documentation

This may include:

  • Ongoing case management
  • Preparation of witness evidence
  • Review of substantial documentation
  • Preparation for hearings
  • Settlement negotiations where appropriate

High Complexity Claims

Typically £20,000 plus VAT

Examples may include:

  • Discrimination claims
  • Whistleblowing claims
  • Complex unfair dismissal matters
  • Multi-day hearings
  • Claims involving substantial documentation
  • Cases involving multiple claimants

A personalised estimate will be provided once we have reviewed the circumstances of the claim.

What is included?

Depending upon the nature of the matter, our fees may include:

  • Reviewing claim documentation
  • Advising on merits and strategy
  • Preparing the ET3 response
  • Correspondence with the Employment Tribunal
  • Correspondence with the claimant or their representatives
  • Preparing witness statements
  • Reviewing disclosure documentation
  • Preparing hearing bundles
  • Preparing for hearings
  • Attendance at case management hearings
  • Representation at final hearings where agreed

Not all stages will apply in every matter.

What is not included?

Unless specifically agreed, our fees do not include:

  • Barristers’ fees
  • Expert witness fees
  • Mediation costs
  • Appeal proceedings
  • Costs recovery proceedings
  • Enforcement proceedings

Where additional services are required, we will provide a separate estimate.

Likely Additional Costs

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties and are not retained by The Legal Practice Solicitors.

Barristers’ Fees

Barristers are often instructed for Employment Tribunal hearings.

Barristers’ fees vary depending upon the complexity of the matter, the seniority of Counsel instructed and the length of the hearing.

Expert Witness Fees

Expert evidence may occasionally be required.

Mediation Costs

If mediation is undertaken, separate charges may apply.

Electronic Identity Verification

Electronic identity verification checks may be required.

A fee of £15 plus VAT (£18 including VAT) per person may apply.

What May Increase the Cost?

Additional work may be required where:

  • There are multiple witnesses
  • There are multiple allegations
  • The claim includes discrimination allegations
  • The claim includes whistleblowing allegations
  • Large volumes of documentation require review
  • Additional hearings are required
  • Amendments to claims are made
  • Multiple claimants are involved
  • Significant settlement negotiations are required
Where additional work becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and provide a revised estimate before proceeding.

Typical Timescales

Employment Tribunal claims vary significantly.

As a general guide:

Early Settlement – Often resolved within a few weeks or months.

Standard Tribunal Claims – Typically 6 to 12 months.

Complex Tribunal Claims – May take 12 months or longer.

Timescales will depend upon Tribunal availability, the complexity of the issues and the conduct of the parties.

Key Stages of an Employment Tribunal Claim

The key stages typically include:

  • Reviewing the claim.
  • Advising on prospects and strategy.
  • Preparing the ET3 response.
  • Case management and procedural compliance.
  • Disclosure of documents.
  • Preparation of witness statements.
  • Preparation of hearing bundles.
  • Settlement discussions where appropriate.
  • Final hearing.
  • Post-hearing advice.
Not all stages will apply in every matter.

Timescales — Employment Tribunal

Employment Tribunal claims typically take 12–18 months from the ET1 submission to a final hearing, though this varies significantly by region and complexity. We will provide a more specific estimate once we have reviewed the facts of your matter.

Who Will Handle Your Employment Matter

Employment matters are handled by Angalee Pandya, Senior Consultant Employment Solicitor, who has over 18 years of experience in employment law and HR matters. She advises employers and employees across all Employment Tribunal claim types including settlement agreements, unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wrongful termination.

Full profile: thelegalpractice.co.uk/about-us

Who Will Carry Out the Work?

Our employment law services are provided by experienced employment law solicitors and consultants.

Angalee Pandya, Senior Employment Law Consultant and Head of Employment, supervises this area of work and has extensive experience advising employers and businesses on employment law matters and Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Why Choose The Legal Practice Solicitors?

  • Experienced employment law team
  • Employer-focused advice
  • Practical commercial solutions
  • Transparent fees
  • Flexible appointments
  • Support throughout Tribunal proceedings
  • Convenient Wembley Park location

We aim to provide clear advice and practical support throughout the life of the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you act for employees?
We primarily act for employers and businesses and do not generally advise employees in relation to Employment Tribunal claims.
How much does it cost to defend an Employment Tribunal claim?
Costs vary depending upon complexity. Straightforward claims typically range between £5,000 and £10,000 plus VAT, whilst more complex matters may exceed this range.
Do I need a solicitor to defend a Tribunal claim?
There is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor. However, professional advice can help employers manage risk and comply with Tribunal procedures.
Can Employment Tribunal claims settle before a hearing?
Yes. Many claims are resolved through settlement discussions or ACAS Early Conciliation before reaching a final hearing.
How long do Employment Tribunal claims take?
Many claims take between 6 and 12 months, although complex claims may take longer.

Payment of Fees

We may request funds on account throughout the matter. Full details will be provided within our client care documentation.

Contact Our Employment Law Team

If you require advice regarding an Employment Tribunal claim or employment law matter, please contact our Employment Team.

The Legal Practice Solicitors

122–126 Wembley Park Drive
Wembley Park
London HA9 8HP

Telephone: 020 8903 7017

Email: apandya@thelegalpractice.co.uk

We offer appointments in person, by telephone and by video conference.

Complaints Information

We are committed to providing a high standard of service. Details of our complaints procedure can be found on our Complaints Handling page.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended as a general guide to our fees for Employment Tribunal matters and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances vary and a personalised estimate will be provided where appropriate. For immigration fees please use this page