Employment & Vocational
Expert Witness Reports
Our chambers prepares vocational report expert witness evidence for employment disputes, personal injury, and discrimination claims. Reports assess employability, labour market access, and earnings capacity under CPR Part 35, Equality Act 2010, and Johnson v Unisys principles.
The vocational report expert witness
for employment disputes.
Our chambers prepares vocational assessment reports that quantify the impact of injury, illness, or discrimination on a claimant’s ability to work. These reports provide independent evidence on employability, labour market access, and earnings capacity for tribunals and courts.
Members of our chambers hold qualifications in occupational psychology, vocational rehabilitation, and labour market economics. Reports comply with CPR Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the Civil Justice Council’s 2014 Guidance, ensuring admissibility in civil and employment proceedings.
Three stages where
this report is critical.
Pre-issue employment disputes
Our chambers accepts instructions to prepare employment consultant reports for pre-action letters, supporting claims under the Equality Act 2010 or unfair dismissal proceedings. Reports assess fitness to work and reasonable adjustments.
Personal injury claims
We prepare vocational assessment reports for personal injury claims where the claimant’s earning capacity is disputed. Reports quantify future loss of earnings and labour market restrictions under CPR Part 35.
Tribunal and court hearings
Our experts provide oral evidence in employment tribunals and civil courts, responding to Part 35 questions and participating in joint expert discussions under CPR 35.12.
What the vocational report
contains, section by section.
Expert qualifications & instruction
HCPC registration, BPS Chartered status, and vocational rehabilitation credentials. The instructing party, questions posed, and documents reviewed are listed, ensuring compliance with CPR 35.3.
Claimant’s occupational history
Detailed employment timeline, job roles, skills, and earnings pre-injury or pre-discrimination. This establishes the baseline for assessing labour market impact.
Clinical and functional limitations
Assessment of physical, cognitive, or psychological barriers to work, informed by medical records and clinical findings from treating professionals.
Labour market analysis
Evaluation of job availability, transferable skills, and earning capacity in the open labour market, using ONS data and sector-specific benchmarks.
Opinion on employability
Reasoned opinion on the claimant’s ability to return to work, required adjustments, and likelihood of sustained employment, grounded in vocational and psychological evidence.
Earnings capacity & loss
Quantification of pre- and post-injury earnings, future loss calculations, and mitigation efforts, supporting the Schedule of Loss in civil claims.
Declaration & statement of truth
CPR Part 35 declaration of compliance, signed statement of truth, and acknowledgment of the expert’s overriding duty to the court under CPR 35.3.
How the vocational assessment
is conducted.
Our experts follow a transparent, evidence-based methodology to ensure compliance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35. Each step is documented to withstand scrutiny in joint expert discussions and cross-examination.
-
01
Records review
Comprehensive review of medical, employment, and educational records. Key entries are identified and referenced in the report to support findings on functional limitations.
-
02
Structured vocational interview
In-person or secure video assessment, typically lasting 2–3 hours. The interview explores work history, skills, and barriers to employment, tailored to the claimant’s condition.
-
03
Standardised vocational tools
Where clinically indicated, tools such as the Work Ability Index or transferable skills analysis are used. Selection and rationale are documented in the report.
-
04
Labour market research
Analysis of job availability, wage data, and sector trends using ONS, DWP, and commercial labour market databases. Findings inform earnings capacity opinions.
-
05
Formulation & opinion
Clinical and vocational findings are synthesised into a reasoned opinion on employability, earnings capacity, and future loss, compliant with CPR 35.3.
Every employment-related claim
where work capacity is disputed.
Our chambers prepares vocational report expert witness evidence for civil courts, employment tribunals, and personal injury claims. Reports are accepted under CPR Part 35, the Equality Act 2010, and the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Questions from
solicitors we work with.
What is the typical turnaround for a vocational report expert witness?
Three to six weeks. Most instructions are allocated within 48 hours, and assessments are scheduled within four weeks of full records. Reports are delivered within two weeks of assessment, with expedited options for tribunal deadlines.
Do your experts hold the necessary qualifications for employment tribunals?
Yes. Members of our chambers are HCPC-registered vocational rehabilitation consultants or BPS Chartered Psychologists. All experts are experienced in providing evidence under CPR Part 35 and the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure.
Can the report address both employability and earnings capacity?
Yes. Our employment consultant reports cover functional limitations, labour market access, and earnings loss calculations. Where quantum is complex, we coordinate with forensic accountants for separate input.
Are remote assessments acceptable for vocational reports?
Yes, where appropriate. Secure video assessments are accepted by tribunals and courts if the expert considers them suitable. For claimants with severe cognitive or psychological barriers, in-person assessment is recommended.
Will the expert respond to Part 35 questions and joint discussions?
Yes. Response to Part 35 questions under CPR 35.6, attendance at joint expert discussions under CPR 35.12, and preparation of the joint statement are all within the standard scope of instruction.
Can the report be used in both civil and employment proceedings?
Yes. Our reports comply with CPR Part 35 and are structured to meet the requirements of both civil courts and employment tribunals. The expert’s declaration confirms compliance with the relevant procedural rules.
Need a vocational report expert
witness for your case?
Send a brief case summary — claimant details, procedural stage, and any deadlines — and our chambers will confirm availability, scope, and timescales within one working day.