No Win No Fee Employment Solicitors
Been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against at work? Get expert legal representation with zero financial risk. You only pay if we win.
- ✓ £0 upfront, £0 if you lose
- ✓ Free case assessment within 48 hours
- ✓ Keep 65% of your compensation
£2.5M+
Recovered for clients
500+
Employees helped
93%
Settle before tribunal
“Tom and myself had a call regarding a quite complex and difficult employment dispute I was having with my employer. Despite the complexities of the case (and obviously my own apprehension to decide whether it was something even worth the consideration of a solicitor), Tom reassured me straight away and grasped the details in a very professional manner. His advice had an extremely positive outcome for my circumstances and for that I could not recommend him enough. His advice was pivotal and crucial to the outcome.”
– Adam F.
“I would very much recommend Tom Street as a superb lawyer for employment-related issues. I was unfortunately owed tens of thousands of pounds from a former employer. I didn’t have home legal cover and therefore couldn’t not have afforded to pay a solicitor upfront to take a case. Despite many solicitors refusing to take this on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis (or only if I was prepared to accept a very low settlement) Tom did take my case despite it being a foreign employer. Not only did he win my ET case but when the employer was still being evasive he got it transferred to county court for enforcement and was prepared to represent me abroad. Tom’s fees both for initial consultation and for achieving a successful result are very reasonable and Tom was always very responsive.”
– Oliver B.
“I called regarding an enquiry for a potential case, a solicitor answered the phone and asked some questions regarding my situation. The solicitor was very polite and patiently listened to my enquiry and then explained why the case may have potential and why it may not. The solicitor detailed all the potential avenues I could try before going to the courts and what this would entail. The solicitor went into great detail and explained what my options are. I really appreciated their time and felt like they cared about the case whether it was something they could take on or not.”
– Mike.
Do You Qualify for No Win No Fee?
Most employees with a genuine workplace dispute qualify. Quick check:
Within time limit?
3 months minus 1 day from the incident
Have evidence?
Emails, letters, witnesses, or records
Qualifying service?
2 yrs for dismissal (none for discrimination)
Clear wrongdoing?
Employer acted unfairly or unlawfully
Not sure? That’s what the free assessment is for.
Check If You Qualify →How No Win No Fee Works
From first contact to compensation in five steps
Free Assessment
Call us or complete the online form. We’ll review your situation within 48 hours at no cost and with no obligation.
Case Evaluation
If your case looks promising, a solicitor reviews the details, assesses strength and potential value, and explains your options.
Sign the Agreement
We send you a Damages-Based Agreement with clear terms: 35% fee if we win, nothing if we don’t. No hidden costs.
We Build Your Case
We gather evidence, handle ACAS early conciliation, and negotiate with your employer. Most cases settle without a tribunal hearing.
You Receive Compensation
Once we secure a settlement or award, we deduct our 35% fee and transfer the remaining 65% to you.
If we don’t win, you don’t pay our fees. That’s the no win no fee promise.
Want to understand more about how no win no fee works? Keep reading for the complete guide.
⚖️ This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. If you’re unsure, speak to a solicitor.
Key Points
- ✓ No win no fee employment solicitors charge nothing unless we recover compensation for you
- ✓ Our fee is 35% of compensation (including VAT); you keep 65% of any award or settlement
- ✓ For unfair dismissal, you currently need two years’ service (reducing to six months from January 2027)
- ✓ Discrimination and whistleblowing claims have no minimum service requirement
- ✓ Time limits are strict: three months minus one day from the act complained of
- ✓ Most cases settle before tribunal; you won’t necessarily have to attend a hearing
⚖️ Legislation Update
Unfair Dismissal Qualifying Period Changing in 2027
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months. From 1 January 2027, employees with six months’ service will be protected from unfair dismissal. The compensation cap is also being removed, meaning tribunals can award unlimited compensation for unfair dismissal.
Have you been unfairly dismissed, discriminated against, or mistreated at work? You might assume you can’t afford to fight back. Legal fees can be daunting, and the thought of paying thousands of pounds with no guarantee of success puts many people off pursuing legitimate claims. That’s exactly why no win no fee employment solicitors exist.
With no win no fee employment law representation, our solicitors can take on your case without any upfront costs. If your case isn’t successful, you won’t owe us a penny. This arrangement means you can pursue the compensation you deserve without financial risk, with experienced no win no fee employment lawyers fighting your corner.
What Does “No Win No Fee” Actually Mean?
When people search for no win no fee employment solicitors, they’re looking for a funding arrangement where legal fees are only payable if the case succeeds. In employment law, this is formally called a Damages-Based Agreement (DBA), which is regulated by the Damages-Based Agreements Regulations 2013.
Under a DBA, your solicitor’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the compensation recovered. For employment tribunal cases, this percentage is capped by law at 35% including VAT. This means if we recover £10,000 for you, we take £3,500 and you receive £6,500.
The key benefit is that the financial risk shifts from you to the solicitor. We only get paid if we win, so we’re motivated to select strong cases and pursue them effectively. If your case is unsuccessful, you don’t pay our legal fees.
How Does This Compare to Traditional Billing?
Traditional solicitor billing works on an hourly rate, typically £150 to £350 per hour depending on experience. You pay these fees regardless of outcome, which means you could spend thousands on a case that doesn’t succeed. With no win no fee employment solicitors, you never face this risk.
The trade-off is straightforward: with hourly billing, you keep 100% of your compensation but risk losing money if the case fails. With no win no fee, you keep 65% of compensation but face zero risk if you lose.
Example: How Your Compensation Breaks Down
If we recover £10,000 in compensation:
- Your share: £6,500 (65%)
- Our fee: £3,500 (35% including VAT)
- Upfront cost to you: £0
- Cost if you lose: £0
How Does No Win No Fee Work?
The process from first contact to resolution follows five main stages. Understanding each stage helps you know what to expect.
Step 1: Free Initial Assessment
Your first step is to contact our no win no fee employment solicitors for a free, no-obligation assessment. You can complete our online form or call us on 020 3835 3940. We’ll ask about your situation: what happened, when it happened, how long you worked for your employer, and what outcome you’re hoping for.
This initial conversation helps us understand whether you might have a viable claim. There’s no charge for this assessment and no obligation to proceed.
Step 2: Case Evaluation
If your case looks promising, a qualified solicitor will review the details more thoroughly. We assess the strength of your case based on the evidence available, the legal merits, and the potential compensation value.
We’ll explain your options clearly. If we think your case is strong enough for no win no fee representation, we’ll tell you. If we have concerns, we’ll be honest about them and discuss alternatives.
Step 3: Sign the Agreement
If we can take your case on a no win no fee basis, we send you a Damages-Based Agreement. This document sets out our 35% fee, explains how it works, and covers what happens in different scenarios.
We explain all terms clearly and answer any questions before you sign. You can take time to consider the agreement; there’s no pressure to sign immediately. Once you sign and return the agreement, we become your solicitors and work begins.
Step 4: We Build Your Case
This is where the real work happens. We gather evidence, request relevant documents from your employer through formal disclosure, and build the strongest possible case. We handle ACAS early conciliation (a mandatory step before most tribunal claims) and negotiate with your employer’s representatives.
Throughout this stage, we keep you informed of progress and involve you in key decisions. You’ll need to provide information and documents, but we handle the legal complexities.
Step 5: Resolution
Most employment disputes settle before reaching a tribunal hearing. Settlement can happen at any stage: during ACAS conciliation, after formal negotiations, or even at the tribunal door. Settlement usually means a lump sum payment and agreed terms (sometimes including an agreed reference).
If settlement isn’t possible, we represent you at the employment tribunal. Hearings typically last one to five days depending on complexity. After the hearing, the tribunal issues a judgment.
Whether through settlement or tribunal award, once we recover compensation, we deduct our 35% fee and transfer the remaining 65% to you.
Who Can Use No Win No Fee Employment Solicitors?
Not every employment dispute qualifies for no win no fee employment law representation. We need reasonable prospects of success before taking on a case, because no win no fee employment lawyers only get paid if they win.
Qualifying Periods for Different Claims
Different types of employment claim have different qualifying requirements:
Unfair dismissal currently requires two years’ continuous service with the same employer. This qualifying period will reduce to six months from January 2027 under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Discrimination claims (covering race, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and other protected characteristics) have no minimum service requirement. You can bring a discrimination claim from day one of employment.
Whistleblowing claims also have no minimum service requirement. If you suffered detriment or dismissal after making a protected disclosure about wrongdoing, you may have a claim regardless of how long you’ve worked there.
Automatic unfair dismissal covers situations where dismissal is automatically unfair regardless of service length. This includes dismissal for pregnancy, asserting statutory rights, trade union membership, or health and safety activities.
Redundancy payment claims require two years’ service to qualify for statutory redundancy pay. Claims about unfair selection or inadequate consultation may also require two years’ service if they’re framed as unfair dismissal.
Wages claims (unpaid wages, holiday pay, unlawful deductions) have no qualifying period, though for no win no fee purposes the claim value needs to justify the work involved.
What Makes a Strong Case?
Beyond qualifying periods, no win no fee employment solicitors assess case strength before offering representation. Factors we consider include:
Evidence quality matters significantly. Claims supported by documentary evidence (emails, letters, policies, witness statements) are generally stronger than claims based solely on verbal accounts.
Clear legal grounds help. Cases where the law has obviously been broken are easier to pursue than cases requiring nuanced legal arguments.
Compensation value affects viability. Claims with potential awards under £3,000 may not justify the work involved on a no win no fee basis, though this depends on complexity.
Time limits must be met. Claims outside the three months minus one day limit face significant hurdles. While tribunals can extend time in certain circumstances, late claims are inherently weaker. Our no win no fee employment solicitors will assess whether your claim is still in time.
“Many people assume they can’t afford to challenge their employer when they’ve been treated unfairly. The reality is that no win no fee removes that barrier entirely. If your case has merit, the funding shouldn’t stop you pursuing it.”
Types of Employment Claims We Handle on No Win No Fee
Our no win no fee employment tribunal solicitors take on a range of claims where we believe there are reasonable prospects of success:
Unfair dismissal covers situations where you were dismissed without a fair reason or without a fair process. Fair reasons include capability, conduct, redundancy, statutory illegality, or some other substantial reason. Even with a fair reason, the dismissal can be unfair if proper procedures weren’t followed.
Constructive dismissal applies when you were forced to resign because your employer’s conduct made it impossible to continue. This might include fundamental breaches of contract, failure to address bullying, unilateral changes to your role, or a serious breakdown in trust and confidence.
Discrimination claims cover unfair treatment based on protected characteristics including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. This includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
Redundancy disputes include unfair selection for redundancy, failure to consult properly, inadequate redundancy payments, and failure to consider suitable alternative employment.
Whistleblowing claims arise when you suffered detriment or dismissal after making a protected disclosure about wrongdoing at work. Protected disclosures include reports of criminal offences, breaches of legal obligations, health and safety dangers, environmental damage, or cover-ups of any of these.
Unlawful deductions from wages covers unpaid wages, unpaid holiday pay, unpaid bonuses you were entitled to, and other improper deductions from your pay.
No Win No Fee vs Other Funding Options
No win no fee employment solicitors aren’t the only way to fund an employment claim. Understanding your options helps you choose the right approach for your situation.
No Win No Fee (Damages-Based Agreement)
With no win no fee employment law solicitors, you pay nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. If you win, we take 35% of your compensation. This is ideal for cases with strong prospects where you can’t or don’t want to risk your own money.
Fixed Fee
Some solicitors offer fixed fees for specific services, such as reviewing a settlement agreement or providing initial advice. Fees typically range from £500 to £2,000. You pay this regardless of outcome, but you know the cost upfront. This suits situations where you need advice but aren’t pursuing a full claim.
Hourly Rate
Traditional hourly billing means paying for the solicitor’s time at rates typically between £150 and £350 per hour. Total costs for a tribunal claim might range from £5,000 to £20,000 depending on complexity. You keep 100% of any compensation, but you pay regardless of outcome. This suits high-value claims or situations where you can afford the risk.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Many home insurance policies include legal expenses cover. If your insurer agrees your case has merit (usually requiring at least 51% prospects of success), they may fund your legal costs. Check your home, car, or other insurance policies. If you have cover, this might be preferable to using no win no fee employment solicitors because you keep all your compensation.
What Happens If I Lose?
If your case is unsuccessful under a no win no fee agreement with our employment solicitors, you don’t pay our legal fees. This is the core protection the arrangement provides.
However, you should understand what costs you might face:
Disbursements are expenses we pay on your behalf during the case, such as medical report fees or tribunal fees. At Tom Street & Co., disbursements are capped at £200 plus VAT maximum if you lose. We won’t incur any disbursements without your agreement in advance.
Tribunal fees no longer exist. Employment tribunal fees were declared unlawful and abolished in 2017, so there are no court fees to pay.
Opponent’s costs are rarely awarded in employment tribunals. Unlike civil courts, the default position is that each side bears its own costs regardless of outcome. Cost orders against losing claimants are exceptional and typically only made where a claim was vexatious, had no reasonable prospect of success, or was pursued unreasonably. We would never let a case reach this point.
“The biggest advantage of no win no fee is the peace of mind it provides. You can pursue your claim knowing that if we don’t succeed, you owe us nothing. This allows us both to focus entirely on getting you the best possible outcome.”
Common Questions About Withdrawing
You can withdraw from a no win no fee agreement at any point during the case. However, if you withdraw after we’ve started work, you may be liable for our costs at our hourly rate up to that point.
This clause exists to protect us from clients withdrawing just before settlement to avoid paying fees, having already benefited from all our work. It’s a fair balance: you can change your mind, but we shouldn’t work for free.
We explain all withdrawal terms clearly before you sign. If you have concerns about proceeding after we’ve started, talk to us. Often there are solutions that don’t require withdrawal.
Why Choose Tom Street & Co. for No Win No Fee Employment Claims?
Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right no win no fee employment solicitors matters. Here’s what sets us apart:
Specialist Focus
We only do employment law. Unlike general practice firms, it’s all we do — meaning genuine expertise and up-to-date knowledge.
SRA Regulated
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 566718). You’re protected by professional conduct rules.
15+ Years’ Experience
Helping employees with employment disputes since 2010. That’s over 15 years of employment tribunal experience.
National Coverage
We help employees across the UK. Tribunals exist throughout the country, and most communication happens remotely.
Transparent Fees
Our 35% fee is clearly stated with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you’ll pay before you sign.
Free Assessment
Your initial consultation is free with no obligation. We’ll give honest advice whether or not we take your case.
💡 Want to Estimate Your Potential Compensation?
Use our free calculator with current 2025/26 figures
Calculate Your Claim →Ready to Find Out If You Have a Claim?
If you’ve been unfairly dismissed, discriminated against, or otherwise mistreated at work, don’t let cost concerns stop you seeking justice. Our no win no fee employment solicitors offer a free initial assessment that costs you nothing and commits you to nothing.
We’ll review your situation, explain your options honestly, and tell you whether we can take your case on a no win no fee basis. If our no win no fee employment lawyers can’t help, we’ll explain why and suggest alternatives where possible.
Time limits are strict. For most employment tribunal claims, you must start ACAS early conciliation within three months minus one day of the act complained of. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Contact us today:
- Call: 020 3835 3940
- Or complete our online enquiry form
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24-48 hours with honest advice on your options.
Locations
No Win No Fee Employment Solicitors: Frequently Asked Questions
What does no win no fee mean?
No win no fee means you don’t pay any legal fees unless your case is successful. If we don’t win compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This arrangement is formally called a Damages-Based Agreement (DBA) and transfers the financial risk from you to the solicitor.
How much do no win no fee employment solicitors charge?
Under a Damages-Based Agreement, employment solicitors can charge up to 35% of your compensation (including VAT). At Tom Street & Co., we charge 35% of the compensation recovered, meaning you keep 65% of any award or settlement.
What happens if I lose my employment tribunal case?
If your case is unsuccessful under a no win no fee agreement, you won’t pay our legal fees. You may be liable for small disbursements (capped at £200 plus VAT), but you won’t have to pay your employer’s legal costs except in rare circumstances where a claim is found to be vexatious.
Do I have to go to tribunal?
No, most employment disputes settle before reaching a tribunal hearing. Settlement can happen at any stage, including during ACAS early conciliation. If settlement isn’t possible, we will represent you at tribunal, but the majority of our cases resolve without a hearing.
Are there any upfront costs with no win no fee?
No, there are no upfront costs. You don’t pay anything to start your case or during the process. Our fees only become payable if we successfully recover compensation for you, and they come from that compensation, not from your own pocket.
Do I need 2 years’ service for no win no fee?
For unfair dismissal claims, you currently need two years’ continuous service (reducing to six months from January 2027). However, discrimination, whistleblowing, and automatic unfair dismissal claims have no minimum service requirement, so you may qualify regardless of how long you’ve worked for your employer.
What if my employer has expensive lawyers?
Employment tribunals operate differently from civil courts. Each side typically pays their own legal costs regardless of outcome. The tribunal process is designed to be accessible, and having expensive lawyers doesn’t guarantee success. What matters is the strength of your case and evidence.
How long does an employment tribunal claim take?
Timescales vary depending on complexity and tribunal backlogs. Simple cases that settle may resolve in 2-4 months. Cases going to a full hearing typically take 9-18 months from lodging the claim. We’ll give you realistic timescales based on your specific circumstances.
Can I withdraw from a no win no fee agreement?
Yes, you can withdraw at any point. However, if you withdraw after we’ve started work on your case, you may be liable for our costs at our hourly rate up to that point. This protects us from clients withdrawing just before settlement. We’ll explain all terms clearly before you sign.
What counts as a “win” in a no win no fee case?
A “win” means recovering compensation for you, whether through a negotiated settlement with your employer or an award from the employment tribunal. It doesn’t matter how the money is obtained; if we secure compensation, we’ve won, and our fee becomes payable from that amount.
Why wouldn’t a case qualify for no win no fee?
Cases may not qualify if they have weak evidence, fall outside time limits, or involve amounts too small to justify the work involved. We need reasonable prospects of success before taking a case on this basis. We’ll always be honest about your chances and suggest alternatives if no win no fee isn’t suitable.
What about legal expenses insurance?
Many home insurance policies include legal expenses cover that could pay for employment disputes. Check your policy documents or contact your insurer. If you have cover, you may be able to use it instead of or alongside no win no fee. We can advise on the best approach for your situation.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about no win no fee employment law representation in the UK. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Every employment situation is different. The information here may not apply to your specific circumstances. Time limits for employment tribunal claims are strict, and missing them could mean losing your right to claim.
If you believe you have an employment dispute, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us for a free initial assessment of your situation.
Sources and Further Reading
Primary Legislation
- Damages-Based Agreements Regulations 2013
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Equality Act 2010
- Employment Rights Act 2025
Official Guidance
Further Reading
Tom Street
Principal Solicitor, Tom Street & Co. Solicitors
Tom Street is the principal solicitor at Tom Street & Co. Solicitors, a firm of no win no fee employment solicitors specialising in representing employees in tribunal claims. With over 15 years’ experience in employment law, Tom has helped hundreds of employees challenge unfair treatment at work. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 566718).