Tribunal claims: UK employment law

Essential points 

• Employers and employees should try to resolve disputes in the workplace before resorting to an employment tribunal. 
• Failure to comply with the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures will be taken into account by a tribunal and may result in an uplift or decrease in compensation. 
• Acas tries to achieve conciliated settlements both before and after a tribunal claim has been presented.  
• For a tribunal claim to be accepted, it must be on an approved form (ET1) and have been through Acas’ early conciliation process. 
• Most claimants seek compensation as a remedy although tribunals can also order re-instatement or reengagement in certain circumstances.
• Any appeal against a tribunal decision is made to the Employment Appeal Tribunal and there is a strict 42-day time limit for appeals to be lodged. Appeals are only permitted on the basis of an error of law or perversity and the rules about how to lodge an appeal are very strict.