Resolving problems at work

It is a regrettable fact that from time-to-time, employers and employees fall out. Fortunately, most disagreements are resolved amicably, but there are situations where employees feel they have no choice other than to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. However, such claims can be expensive and time consuming to defend and as a result, more are turning to mediators to resolve issues informally.

Of course, some employers prefer to argue their way to a ‘resolution’, even if that means going before the Tribunal. However, they face elevated costs in doing so. One law firm charges £215-£600 plus VAT and disbursements to prepare a case before handing over to barristers who make their case in front of a judge. Its junior barristers charge £3,000-£4,500 plus VAT for a two-day hearing; more experienced barristers charge £5,000-£7,000 plus VAT; and highly experienced barristers cost £7,500-£12,000 plus VAT for the same (DMH Stallard LLP 2017).