Employment Tribunal funding for lower-income individuals

Making an employment claim against your employer can be a daunting and stressful process. We understand one main concern is the financial barriers which prevent some individuals from bringing an employment tribunal claim that is where Employment Tribunal funding can help!

Here at Taylor Bracewell, we understand those on lower income may find it difficult to fund their employment matter. This article explains the different funding options we offer when going to an employment tribunal. 

What is an Employment Tribunal? 

An Employment Tribunal is a judicial body that handles various employment-related disputes. This independent tribunal system was established to provide a fairer and more accessible process for resolving employment disputes. All Employment Tribunals in the UK are governed by the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. 

There may be various reasons why an individual may take their employment dispute to an Employment Tribunal, these may include Unfair Dismissal Claims, Discrimination Claims, Wage Disputes and/or the employer breaching an employee’s employment contract.

How do I bring an Employment Tribunal claim? 

The process for filing a claim with an Employment Tribunal in the UK involves submitting the necessary forms and providing details of the claim, including the parties involved, the nature of the dispute, and the desired outcome. Once a claim is accepted, a hearing will be scheduled where both parties present their evidence and arguments.  A preliminary hearing will be required for discrimination cases. The tribunal panel, consisting of an employment judge and two non-legal members, will then make a decision based on the evidence and applicable employment laws. For simple claims the case will be determined by a judge sitting alone.

Decisions made by UK employment tribunals are legally binding, and if either party disagrees with the outcome, they may have the option to appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal or, in some cases, higher courts.

What are the Employment Tribunal Costs?

When filing a claim with the employment tribunal, there are typically two types of costs involved: the claimant’s fees and potential costs awarded to the successful party.

It’s worth noting that while the claimant’s fees have been abolished, individuals involved in employment tribunal cases may still have other costs to consider, such as legal representation fees or expenses related to gathering evidence or witnesses. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the individuals involved choose to seek legal advice or representation.

It is advisable to consult a qualified employment solicitor to obtain precise and up-to-date information regarding the costs of an employment tribunal case and the merits of your case. They will be able to provide you with personalised legal advice based on your specific circumstances.

How Taylor Bracewell’s Employment team can help?

Funding an Employment Tribunal claim can be difficult, we offer a range of services to help lower-income employees navigate the complex world of employment law.

• You should check legal expenses insurance (LEI) – this may be included in your house insurance policy or motor policy. LEI can potentially cover the costs of a legal dispute.
• We may be able to offer a no-win, no-fee agreement, subject to your case having reasonable prospects of success and value, depending on the stage your case is at.
• You should look into our funding options leaflet, which can be found here.

Our experienced team of employment solicitors have a proven track record of helping clients achieve successful outcomes in their cases. We understand the challenges that lower-income employees face, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

If you are a lower-income employee who needs legal assistance, contact Taylor Bracewell today to find out how we can help. The Doncaster team can be contacted by calling 01302 341414 or our Sheffield team on 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form and a team member will be in touch as soon as possible.