How we can help your business in Employment Tribunal proceedings.
Since the decision of the Supreme Court to abolish fees in 2017, the number of claims progressing through the Employment Tribunal system has grown year on year with 2020 witnessing a surge as the country went into lockdown and many employees found themselves dismissed for redundancy and other reasons.
As a result of coronavirus, the majority of Employment Tribunal hearings are currently taking place virtually through Cloud Video Platform (CVP) which, while allowing the system to continue to function, undoubtedly adds a layer of complexity to what is often an unfamiliar and confusing process for unrepresented parties.
There are real risks for employers choosing to proceed without representation, not only in failing to comply with the Employment Tribunal’s directions, which often require the employer (the respondent) to collate the relevant documents and prepare a file for the hearing (the hearing bundle), but more often when it comes to challenging the evidence against them, using case law to support their decisions, and establishing that they acted reasonably and/or did not discriminate.
We believe it is essential that employers facing Employment Tribunal claims receive support and representation from specialist employment law practitioners. Fortunately, the Employment Team at Jacksons has over 50 years’ experience of Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and civil court proceedings. We are proud of our successful track-record in representing businesses across a wide variety of industries and in both public and private sectors. Our clients are regional and national businesses and range from start-ups, owner-managed business and SMEs to larger limited companies and PLCs along with charities and other not-for-profit organisations.
Every member of our Employment Team has represented claimants and respondents in Tribunal proceedings which means our clients benefit from someone who can advise them on the law and the procedure throughout their case. This is particularly helpful when it comes to drafting witness statements and preparing for a final hearing. In Employment Tribunal proceedings, like any litigation, there is no substitute for a representative who fully understands the facts and the issues and can present your case clearly. That is what we strive to do whenever we are instructed.
We regularly represent clients in unfair dismissal (including constructive dismissal), discrimination, unlawful deduction from wages and whistleblowing (protected disclosures) claims. The cost of representation will depend on the type of proceedings and the length of the final hearing and any preliminary hearings, however, we are able to provide competitive quotes and in many cases can offer a fixed fee for representation from responding to the claim through to the final hearing. We can also help you arrange dedicated employment insurance to cover the cost of legal fees, awards and settlements.
For more information on Tribunal Representation, please contact a member of the Employment Team.
