ET1 — Claim to an Employment Tribunal
The mandatory form to start a claim in the Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, redundancy pay, or other employment rights.
Who uses this form
Employees, former employees, workers, or job applicants who believe their employment rights have been breached. Must normally be presented before the strict time limit expires.
When to use it
File after completing the Acas early conciliation process (a certificate number is required). Time limits are strict: 3 months minus 1 day from the act complained of (extended by the Acas EC period). File online at the Employment Tribunals Service.
Where to file
Online at et.acas.org.uk/en (Employment Tribunals online portal). Paper forms can be submitted to the relevant tribunal office but online is strongly preferred.
Time limit / deadline
3 months minus 1 day from the date of dismissal or the last act of discrimination/detriment. Extended by the Acas early conciliation period. Some claims (e.g. equal pay) have a 6-month limit.
Court fee
Free (Employment Tribunal fees were abolished by the Supreme Court in 2017).
Common mistakes to avoid
Missing the strict time limit — tribunals have very limited discretion to extend time and 'just and equitable' is not easily satisfied for unfair dismissal
Not completing Acas early conciliation before submitting — the form requires a valid EC reference number
Using the wrong Acas EC reference number or a reference that has expired
Not including all respondents if there are multiple (e.g. individual named respondents in discrimination claims)
Being too vague in the 'details of claim' section — include dates, names, and specific acts
Related Guides
Related Letter Templates
Official source
Download / view form on GOV.UK or HMCTSAlways download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.