How No Win No Fee Employment Claims Work

A clear and simple guide from Robin Robison Ltd

While No Win No Fee may seem scary and seem too good to be true, they are often misunderstood, especially in employment cases. Many people assume they are risky, expensive or only suitable in rare situations.

In reality, a properly structured No Win No Fee agreement can give employees a fair and accessible way to challenge workplace treatment without the fear of upfront legal costs.

At Robin Robison Ltd, we use these agreements in the right cases to help people take action with confidence.

What a No Win No Fee Agreement actually means

A No Win No Fee agreement, also called a Conditional Fee Agreement, is a contract where you only pay your solicitor if your claim succeeds.

If the claim does not succeed, you do not pay legal fees to your solicitor. This arrangement is designed to remove financial barriers for employees who have a strong case but cannot risk costly legal bills.

However, it is important to remember that No Win No Fee does not mean the process is entirely free. If the claim succeeds, a success fee is charged. This is agreed at the start, always explained clearly, and must comply with UK law.

The success fee is a percentage of your damages, never a surprise amount and you should always be told this in your initial meeting.

At Robin Robison we always tell our clients everything in full transparency as it is essential and forms the foundation of how we approach any funding agreement.

What No Win No Fee Does Not Cover

There are a few myths that are worth clearing up when it comes to no win no fee.

A No Win No Fee agreement does not usually cover:

Costs you might have to pay to the other side if the claim is taken to the Employment Tribunal and you act unreasonably
Insurance costs if you choose to take out cover to protect yourself from the risk of paying the other side’s costs
Independent expert reports, medical assessments or other third party expenses

These costs are always discussed before anything is agreed.

Most employment cases resolve through negotiation and settlement, which means the risk of additional costs is low. Even so, being clear from the outset avoids any potential misunderstandings.

Under my No Win No Fee arrangement, I would never charge more than 20% of any settlement or compensation recovered. This type of agreement applies to cases that settle as well as those that proceed to a hearing.

It is important to be aware that the arrangement does not cover any appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal, whether brought by you or by the other party.

Although this is a relatively risk-free way of litigating, no form of litigation is completely without risk.

Costs can sometimes be awarded where a claim is particularly weak, not just in situations involving misconduct or dishonesty, so it is vital that your case has enough strength from the outset.

When a No Win No Fee Agreement Can Be Used

Not every employment case is suitable for No Win No Fee funding. The agreement is normally used when there is strong evidence and a realistic chance of achieving compensation.

Examples include:

Unfair dismissal
Redundancy claims
Discrimination cases
Whistleblowing claims
Unlawful deduction from wages
Breach of contract

The strength of the evidence, the value of the claim and the prospects of success all play a role in deciding if No Win No Fee is the right approach.

How Robin Robison Ltd Assesses Suitability

When someone contacts us about a possible claim, we carry out a detailed assessment.

This includes:

Reviewing your timeline and any documentation
Considering relevant UK employment law
Checking limitation dates for the Employment Tribunal
Assessing the strength of your evidence
Looking at the likely value of the claim

If your case meets the criteria, we explain exactly how the No Win No Fee arrangement works, including fees, risks and next steps.

If we do not think the agreement is appropriate, we explain the reasons clearly and explore other options such as fixed fee advice or hourly rate work.

The aim is to make sure you have the right structure for your circumstances.

Why This Funding Option Helps Employees

A No Win No Fee agreement can be the difference between taking action and doing nothing. Many employees worry about legal costs because employers often have HR teams, legal advisers and insurance backing them.

This is where a No Win No Fee levels the playing field. It gives you the legal representation without paying upfront and ensures your solicitor is motivated to secure the best outcome possible.

Employees often tell us that this funding option gives them the confidence they were missing to fight against unfair treatment. It also reassures them that a solicitor would not take on the case if it had no merit.

Knowing that we are invested in the result brings a sense of partnership that the employee needs to go forward with their claim.

Standing Up for Your Rights with the Right Support

No Win No Fee employment claims are not complicated once the myths are cleared away.

They are designed to make justice accessible, especially when money is tight or the situation at work has created stress. At Robin Robison Ltd, we take the time to explain everything in a way you understand and make sure you understand the agreement before anything is signed.

If your case is suitable, it can be a powerful and risk-free way to pursue fair treatment.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly at work or want to explore your options, Robin Robison Ltd is here to help you take the next steps with confidence. Contact me today.