Deductiability of legal fees incurred against former employer

Hi, My former employer refused to make certain contractual payments due to me. I had to retain lawyers and after threatening litigation my former employer paid what he owed me. The receipts, being related to emplument, are subject to PAYE and NI. Can I somehow claim the out of pocket legal fees incurred in order to force the former employer to make the payments? Thank you.

Hi Ben,
No. please see guidance at EIM32865 - Other expenses: legal costs.
Thank you.