Defending Employment Tribunal Claims
David’s 25 years of litigation experience and his recognised expertise in acting for employers (Legal 500 2020) means that he is regularly instructed by employers to help them in assessing, fighting back against or settling threatened or actual employment claims.
Defending Employment Tribunal Claims or High Court claims for breach of contract (bonus) can be expensive and take up a considerable amount of management time and hence much of David’s time is spent assessing the merits of such claims when received by employers and advising them on tactics around either defending or settling such claims.
David offers a fixed price claim assessment service to enable you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed in defending a claim or whether instead, you wish to try and settle on a commercial basis and if so at what level.
David can provide employers with the following assistance:-
- fixed price merits and value of potential claim assessment
- liaising with ACAS pre-issue
- drafting Response defence
- making applications to try and derail the claim
- taking/preparing statements from witnesses
- dealing with disclosure issues
- mediation
- arranging representation at Employment Tribunal/High Court
David has obtained costs awards against unsuccessful claimants on behalf of his employer clients.
David has successfully defended claims for:-
- unfair dismissal
- whistleblowing
- discrimination
- equal pay
- non-payment of bonuses
- breach of contract (wrongful dismissal)
- employment status
- inducing breach of restrictive covenants (by new hire from a competitor)
Seeking advice early, especially if you decide to settle a claim, is essential as once tribunal proceedings are issued you will be under pressure to lodge your response which will involve you in legal spend.
If you have been threatened with or have received an Employment Tribunal Claim and need advice on the best way to proceed to limit your risk exposure please call expert employment lawyer David Greenhalgh on 020 3603 2177.
Common Questions Answered
Why do I need a lawyer to review my settlement agreement?
UK law requires independent legal advice to be taken before a settlement agreement can become legally binding. Without it, the agreement is unenforceable. An experienced employment lawyer will ensure you understand every clause and that your interests are fully protected.
How much does it cost to get a settlement agreement reviewed?
Your employer will usually pay for you to get independent legal advice on the terms and effect of your agreement. This is standard practice and is typically written into the agreement itself as a contribution towards your legal costs.
Can my settlement agreement be improved?
Often, yes. David regularly negotiates for increases in value, better exit terms and stronger protections for his settlement agreement clients. Even where an employer presents a figure as “final”, there is frequently room to negotiate.
How long does the process take?
With David, many clients get to sign-off in a matter of days if all they need is advice and sign-off. On urgent agreements David provides a same-day service, so a tight deadline is never a barrier to getting the right advice.
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