I posted a topic a few months ago about being sacked due to my boss making some issues with regards to Wheel Torqing and Load Security.
After weeks of writing statements and visits to the CAB they told me I have a good case for Unfair Dismissal. I finally got a phone call today with a court date - 9th November, Im a little nervous of sitting infront of a judge but I hope it comes good 
Is CAB the only legal advice you have or have you got a solicitor
mac12:
Is CAB the only legal advice you have or have you got a solicitor
Due to been out of work they are the only people I contacted, they never mentioned getting a solicitor 
dpt2011:
mac12:
Is CAB the only legal advice you have or have you got a solicitorDue to been out of work they are the only people I contacted, they never mentioned getting a solicitor
Verify with them urgently if they are attending with you but it is advisable to have someone with you for legal representation
Saratoga:
dpt2011:
mac12:
Is CAB the only legal advice you have or have you got a solicitorDue to been out of work they are the only people I contacted, they never mentioned getting a solicitor
Verify with them urgently if they are attending with you but it is advisable to have someone with you for legal representation
I’ve just been going through my emails and the Employment Specialist from the CAB who is dealing with my case will be in court with me on the day - phew
if you are out of work you entitled to legal aid surly?
If you have got legal cover on your house or car insurance that will pay for a solicitor for unfair dismissal
mickyblue:
if you are out of work you entitled to legal aid surly?
I started a new job this week…I spoke to my rep from the CAB yesterday afternoon and she said it wont affect my claim or cost me anything as its already been lodged at court and all the paperwork prepared…so fingers crossed, its all uncharted waters for me I’ve never done anything like this before, I just want to prove I didnt do anything wrong in the first place!
mac12:
If you have got legal cover on your house or car insurance that will pay for a solicitor for unfair dismissal
I never realised that…handy to know though! 
The chances are they might want to settle out of court.
If they were a “speedy” sort of firm I might consider a little letter to Vosa or TC if things don’t go your way…
bald bloke:
The chances are they might want to settle out of court.
Yeah I’ve been told there could be a good chance of that…Just got a letter from ACAS on Monday saying they are acting as a go between for my Rep and theirs.
dpt2011:
bald bloke:
The chances are they might want to settle out of court.Yeah I’ve been told there could be a good chance of that…Just got a letter from ACAS on Monday saying they are acting as a go between for my Rep and theirs.
The same happened to me 4 yrs ago and after 4 months it was settled out of court after the 3rd offer that was made to me. I took a chance and was representing myself but thank god it never came to it.
Here’s my tupence worth having been through it. i was in the union at the time so got legal representation free. However, legal aid is now means tested so if you have a partner who earns £16k or more you will not get it. Got done for something pathetic 2 years ago and i asked my brief about legal aid, and that was his response.
Most firms will settle out of court if they think they’ll lose, it costs em too much if they do.
I went through this a few years ago.
All I did was ring ACAS local office (my nearest was Liverpool), told to put everything in writing, they did everything ,I didnt even have to turn up at the hearing. As it happens the company involved (no names etc but theyre green biased )never even turned up.
Acas asked me what I wanted to do…(job back or compo or combination of both) I took the money
Even got the amount upped to compensate for the company car I had.
ACAS are your friends in these matters , If theyre representing you there shouldnt be any problems , if you had a weak case they would have told you.
Done it myself about 12 years ago and company turned up with all sorts of legal eagles, barristers etc etc. I stood there outside the court door. They tried to bully me with threats of big legal bills being awarded against me ( said £10,000 plus) but unbeknown to them my father was standing in the background. I thought ■■■■em and called my dad over who offered to write a cheque there and then to cover all legal fees. Company done the quickest turnaround I’ve ever seen and made me a very good offer which I immediately refused. They then made a very substancial offer which I accepted. Tbh it was one of the scariest experiences of my life. So good luck but if you have made it this far and have a new job what have you to lose?? 90% of unfair dismissal cases never even get a court date so somebody somewhere thinks you have a very good case. They dont like to waste court time Go for it!!
Doubt it will be in front of a judge, more likely a magistrates court. Very differant and very relaxed but I doubt it will even get that far and they will settle beforehand.
If it does get to court don’t forget to add on the days wages you will lose and travelling expenses/car park charges as well.
How is the money you get worked out? you both say you got alot but is it based on wages so hundreds of pounds or something else so thousands,and does getting another job effect what you get.Reason i ask is i had problems over awr 6 months ago and solicitor said it would cost up to £5000 if i didn’t have legal cover,in the end didn’t have to do anything.
You can’t get legal aid for employment tribunals in England and Wales.
My advice: If you get a reasonable offer before it goes to court - take it. Also, try to get a reasonable reference with the settlement (don’t think you can do this if it goes to court). It might seem like a small matter, but it could make all the difference to your future employment prospects.
There’s been some useful replies on here and some advice to take. I’m not even sure how much money to expect should everything go in my favour. I’ve gotta go and fill a financial loss sheet out in the next few weeks so I might get a better idea then.
I also know that my claim is for compensation instead of reinstatement.
I hope they do settle out of court, although I’m not feeling so nervous about the whole court thing now