ET3 — Response to an Employment Tribunal Claim

The mandatory form for employers to respond to an ET1 claim. Failure to respond in time results in a default judgment against the employer.

This is a reference summary, not the official form (ET3).

Do not file this page. Always download and submit the current official form from the issuing authority.

Who uses this form

Employers (respondents) served with a copy of an ET1 claim who wish to contest the claim or submit a counter-narrative.

File within 28 days of receiving the claim form from the tribunal. If you need more time, apply for an extension before the 28-day period expires.

Online at the Employment Tribunals portal or by post to the relevant tribunal office.

Time limit / deadline

28 days from the date the tribunal sends the claim to the respondent. Apply early for an extension if needed.

Free.

Missing the 28-day deadline — a default judgment can be entered and the tribunal will proceed without hearing from you

Denying facts in the ET3 that are provably true — this damages credibility and may lead to adverse inferences

Not referring to relevant documents (policies, contracts, disciplinary records) in the response

Failing to include all respondent employers if there are related entities

Not considering a counter-schedule if the claimant has quantified losses

Always download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.