What Is the Employment Tribunal
The employment tribunal is an independent judicial body that hears and decides disputes between employees and employers. It covers claims including unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, whistleblowing, and unlawful deduction from wages. There is no fee to bring a claim.
How the Tribunal Is Composed
The complete step-by-step guide: The Complete Employment Tribunal Claim Guide. Everything you need to act today, not next week.
Most employment tribunal hearings are conducted by a panel of three: an Employment Judge (a legally qualified judge), and two lay members -- one with a background representing employers and one with a background representing employees. Some matters are dealt with by an Employment Judge sitting alone.
The Process Overview
The process broadly follows this sequence: ACAS early conciliation (mandatory first step), submission of the ET1 claim form, the respondent's ET3 response, case management, disclosure of documents, exchange of witness statements, and the final hearing. The entire process from claim to final hearing typically takes between six months and two years depending on complexity and court availability.
No Fee to Bring a Claim
Employment tribunal fees were abolished by the Supreme Court in 2017. There is no fee to submit an ET1 or to have your case heard. If you win, you will not automatically recover your legal costs -- each side generally bears their own costs in employment tribunal proceedings.
Representation
You can represent yourself as a litigant in person in the employment tribunal. Many claimants do so successfully. Trade unions may represent members. Solicitors and barristers can be instructed. The tribunal takes an inquisitorial approach and is generally more accommodating of litigants in person than other courts.