Services
Employment Tribunal Costs
Transparent guidance on what defending a tribunal claim is likely to cost your business.
Estimated fees by case complexity
Every tribunal claim is different, but most fall into one of three broad categories. The figures below are estimates only and depend on the complexity of your case, the volume of documents involved, and how the matter develops.
Simple cases
(e.g. unpaid wages or straightforward breach of contract claims)
- Estimated fees: £3,000 to £8,000 (plus VAT)
- Typically involve limited documentation and one day hearing
Medium complexity cases
(e.g. unfair dismissal or standard discrimination claims)
- Estimated fees: £7,500 to £20,000 (plus VAT)
- Usually 1 to 3 day hearing
High complexity cases
(e.g. multi-claimant claims, whistleblowing, or complex discrimination matters)
- Estimated fees: £15,000 to £50,000+ (plus VAT)
- Often involve extensive evidence, multiple witnesses and longer hearings
What’s included
Our fees usually cover:
- Initial case assessment and strategic advice
- Drafting and submitting the ET3 response
- Ongoing correspondence and negotiations
- Preparing disclosure lists and bundles
- Drafting witness statements
- Preparing for and attending the final hearing
What’s not included
Additional costs may arise, including:
- Barrister (counsel) fees: typically £1,500 to £10,000+ depending on seniority and hearing length
- Expert witness fees (if required)
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Costs relating to appeals
Key stages
- Initial instructions and case review
- Response submission (ET3)
- Case management and directions compliance
- Disclosure of documents
- Witness statements preparation
- Final hearing preparation and attendance
Factors that influence costs
Costs may vary depending on:
- Number of claims and respondents
- Volume of documentation
- Complexity of legal issues
- Number of witnesses
- Settlement discussions or mediation
- Whether additional applications and hearings (e.g. strikeout or deposit orders) are required
Payment structure
We typically offer:
- Fixed fees for defined stages (where appropriate), or
- Hourly rate of £250 plus VAT
A tailored cost estimate will always be provided following an initial consultation.
Free initial assessment
Before any tribunal work begins, we offer a free 30-minute assessment to talk through your case, our likely approach, and a realistic estimate of costs. There’s no obligation.