Employment Tribunal
Employment Tribunals are UK courts that hear disputes between employers and employees on matters like unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wage claims.
legal-terms
Category
advanced
Difficulty
6 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Employment Tribunals are UK courts that hear disputes between employers and employees on matters like unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wage claims.
Detailed explanation
Employment Tribunals are specialist courts in England, Wales, and Scotland that resolve disputes between employers and employees. They hear cases on unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy pay, wage disputes, and other employment matters.
Before making most claims, employees must first go through ACAS early conciliation. Time limits are strict - usually 3 months minus 1 day from the act complained of.
Tribunals can award compensation, reinstatement, or re-engagement. Maximum unfair dismissal compensation is the lower of a years pay or £115,115 (2024), plus a basic award. Discrimination has no cap.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employee files claim after ACAS conciliation. Employer responds. Case management, disclosure, witness statements, then hearing. Judge/panel decides.
Best practices
Respond to claims promptly
Preserve all relevant documents
Prepare witnesses thoroughly
Consider settlement where appropriate
Follow ACAS Code to reduce risk
Legal context
Legal basis
Employment Tribunals Act 1996
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Key provisions
3-month time limit for most claims
ACAS conciliation before tribunal
Free to submit claim
Compensation limits for unfair dismissal
No cap on discrimination awards
Appeal to Employment Appeal Tribunal
Official source
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a claim?
Usually 3 months minus 1 day from the incident or dismissal. ACAS early conciliation can pause this clock. Time limits are strict and rarely extended.
Does it cost to make a tribunal claim?
No, tribunal claims are free since fees were abolished in 2017. However, parties usually pay their own legal costs (no winner-pays-all).
Related glossary terms
ACAS
ACAS is the UK body providing free employment advice, early conciliation before tribunal claims, and publishing codes of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Unfair Dismissal
Unfair dismissal is when an employee with 2+ years service is dismissed without a fair reason or without a fair procedure under UK employment law.