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Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Legislation and case law change. Always consult a qualified solicitor for your specific situation.

UK Law Reference
Courts & Tribunals Directory
tribunal
Employment Tribunals
England & Wales

Employment Tribunal

Independent tribunal hearing employment law claims including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and unlawful deductions.

Overview

The Employment Tribunal is an independent judicial body that hears most claims arising from the employment relationship in Great Britain. It is less formal than a court, and parties may represent themselves. Claims must usually be preceded by Early Conciliation through ACAS, which can pause (or 'stop the clock' on) the strict limitation period. A claim is begun by submitting an ET1 form and the respondent replies with an ET3. Hearings are public unless restricted, and judgments are published online.

What it handles

  • Unfair dismissal (after 2 years' service โ€” soon to be day-one under ERA 2025 once commenced)
  • Discrimination claims (Equality Act 2010)
  • Unlawful deductions from wages
  • Breach of contract claims arising on termination of employment
  • Redundancy payment disputes
  • Whistleblowing detriment
  • TUPE-related claims
  • Holiday pay and working time disputes

What it does not handle

  • Personal injury at work (County Court / High Court)
  • Workplace criminal matters (police)
  • Pension disputes (Pensions Ombudsman)

Forms

ET1

Claim form

ET3

Response form (employer's reply)

Fees

  • Filing a claim: No feeTribunal fees were abolished after R (Unison) v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51.

Deadlines

  • Effective date of dismissal โ†’ 3 months less 1 day to start ACAS Early Conciliation
  • ACAS EC certificate issued โ†’ Original 3-month deadline resumes; minimum 1 month from certificate

Process

  1. Step 1: ACAS Early Conciliation

    Mandatory pre-claim process; the conciliation clock pauses the limitation period.

  2. Step 2: ET1

    Claim form submitted to the tribunal online or by post.

  3. Step 3: ET3

    Employer's response within 28 days of receipt.

  4. Step 4: Preliminary hearing

    Case management; identifying issues, list of issues, disclosure orders.

  5. Step 5: Final hearing

    Evidence and submissions; judgment with written reasons normally follows.

Appeals

Employment Appeal Tribunal (on points of law only, within 42 days of the written reasons being sent).

Representation

Self-representation is common; trade unions, Citizens Advice, employment law solicitors, and counsel also act.

Official sources

https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/employment-tribunal

Official Resources

ACAS Early Conciliation โ†’Tribunal Rules of Procedure 2024 โ†’

Related guides

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21. This is legal information, not legal advice.