Employment tribunals

Employment Tribunals are an independent judicial body which look to resolve disputes between employers and employees regarding employment rights.  Employment Tribunals also have powers to hear claims from potential employees where discrimination has occurred in the recruitment and selection process. 

You can make a claim to an Employment Tribunal if you think someone has been treated unlawfully.  Unlawful treatment can include unfair dismissal, cases of discrimination and unlawful deduction of pay.

Tribunals cannot give out legal advice, almost all hearings are open to the public, and evidence will be given under oath or affirmation.

Before receiving an Employment Tribunal claim form (ET1) the claimant is required to go through early conciliation via ACAS.  Early conciliation allows the employer to consider a settlement before tribunal action is taken.