Employment Tribunal: How the Process Works
An Employment Tribunal is an independent court that resolves disputes between employers and employees. It handles claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy pay, unpaid wages, and many other workplace rights. You don't need a lawyer, thousands of people represent themselves and win. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish.
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England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Is there a fee to bring a tribunal claim?
Since 2017, there are no fees to bring an Employment Tribunal claim in England, Wales, and Scotland. The Supreme Court ruled the previous fee system unlawful (Unison v Lord Chancellor [2017]).
Time limits, the most important thing to know
Employment Tribunal time limits are strict. Miss them and you almost certainly lose your right to claim, regardless of how strong your case is.
| Type of claim | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Unfair dismissal | 3 months minus 1 day from dismissal |
| Discrimination | 3 months minus 1 day from the act |
| Redundancy pay | 6 months minus 1 day from dismissal |
| Unlawful deduction from wages | 3 months minus 1 day from last deduction |
| Equal pay | 6 months minus 1 day from end of employment |
| Breach of contract (on termination) | 3 months minus 1 day from dismissal |
Step 1, ACAS Early Conciliation
Before you can submit a tribunal claim, you must contact ACAS for early conciliation. This is mandatory (with very limited exceptions).
Step 2, Submitting your claim
Once you have your ACAS early conciliation certificate, you can submit your claim online at gov.uk/employment-tribunals.
- ✓Complete form ET1, this sets out your name, employer's details, and the nature of your claim
- ✓Include your EC certificate number from ACAS
- ✓Describe your claim clearly, what happened, when, and what you're asking for
- ✓Attach relevant documents if possible (though you can submit more evidence later)
- ✓You'll receive confirmation and a case number
- ✓Your employer (the 'respondent') has 28 days to respond using form ET3
The hearing process
What compensation can you get?
Compensation depends on the type of claim:
- ✓Unfair dismissal: basic award (calculated like redundancy pay) + compensatory award (up to £123,543 or 52 weeks' pay, whichever is lower)
- ✓Discrimination: no cap, can include loss of earnings, injury to feelings (£1,100 to £44,000+), and personal injury
- ✓Unpaid wages/holiday pay: the exact amount owed, plus interest
- ✓Redundancy pay: the exact statutory amount owed
- ✓ACAS Code uplift: up to 25% increase if employer failed to follow the ACAS Code
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to bring an Employment Tribunal claim?
The standard time limit is 3 months less one day from the act you are complaining about (e.g. the date of dismissal). Before filing, you must contact ACAS to start Early Conciliation, this pauses the clock. The clock varies for different claim types: 6 months for redundancy pay and equal pay claims.
What is ACAS Early Conciliation?
Before you can submit an Employment Tribunal claim, you must notify ACAS and give them the opportunity to help both parties reach a settlement through Early Conciliation. This is free and pauses your time limit. ACAS will contact your employer, if agreement is not reached within up to 6 weeks, they issue a certificate allowing you to proceed to tribunal.
Do I need a solicitor to bring an Employment Tribunal claim?
No. Many claimants represent themselves at tribunal. The process is designed to be accessible, and tribunals are familiar with unrepresented parties. However, for complex claims (discrimination, whistleblowing) or high-value cases, a solicitor or trade union representative can significantly improve your chances.
How much compensation can I get at an Employment Tribunal?
For unfair dismissal, compensation is made up of a basic award (calculated like redundancy pay) and a compensatory award (capped at £123,543 or 52 weeks' pay, whichever is lower). For discrimination, there is no cap. Awards can also include injury to feelings, aggravated damages, and interest on unpaid amounts.
What happens at an Employment Tribunal hearing?
Hearings are formal but less rigid than court. Both sides present their case, witnesses give evidence and are cross-examined, and the tribunal panel (usually a judge and two lay members) questions the parties. Decisions are usually given on the day or in writing shortly after. Most hearings last 1 to 3 days depending on complexity.
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