Tribunal claims: UK employment law

Essential points 

• Employers and employees should try to resolve disputes in the workplace before resorting to an employment tribunal.  
• There are strict time limits to bring an employment tribunal claim – these are addressed below. 
• For a tribunal claim to be accepted, it must be on an approved form (ET1) and have been through Acas’ early conciliation process.  Acas tries to achieve conciliated settlements both before and after a tribunal claim has been presented. 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.  
• Most claimants seek compensation as a remedy although tribunals can also order re-instatement or reengagement in certain circumstances. 
• There may be appeals against a tribunal decision - but only within strict parameters. 
• To support you in answering day-to-day questions on the tribunal process you can access the infographic for a visual representation of what is involved.