Tribunal costs

Eranu

I'm thinking of taking my employer to tribunal without any representation. Not sure if this is brave or stupid or perhaps both?
How much will this cost me and would I have to pay my employers legal fees if I lost?

Uncertain

Costs would only be awarded against you if your claim was judged to be totally without merit or vindictive. In other words you need to do more than just lose for this to happen.

olly300

Uncertain wrote: »

Costs would only be awarded against you if your claim was judged to be totally without merit or vindictive. In other words you need to do more than just lose for this to happen.

Only very rarely - the figures I got where for 2 years ago where it was less than 1% of cases are costs awarded against either party. So don't let their threat put you off.

Taking an employer to an employment tribunal on your own is not an easy process unless you claim is something very simple like unlawful deduction from wages, all your evidence is in the form of documentation, you can easily show that the employer got any letters you sent to them AND most importantly you understand the law you are using to argue your case plus employment tribunal procedure.

Some employers because they know you are not using a solicitor or a full time union rep who is a legal representative, regardless whether your claim is legitimate will do everything in their power to frustrate your claim.

I did use to know 2 people who won their cases on their own but one only won part of a case, and the other one had their award reduced by the ex-employer.

In addition if you are given an ACAS representative they can be a hindrance rather than a help.

I suggest you immediately go and talk to the CAB or the local law centre before you go ahead. The reason you must go asap is due to the strict deadlines in making a tribunal claim.

MissJump

Hello,

This is my first post on this website and I hope it is of some use. I am in dispute with my employer but have engaged a solicitor through my legal expenses insurance on my contents cover. They have agreed to take my claim on and I will no incur any costs.