Employment Tribunal: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to resolve workplace disputes regarding unfair dismissal or discrimination through the official tribunal process.
The Employment Tribunal is a legal service used to resolve disputes between employers and employees.
Who it's for
This service is specifically for employees who find themselves in a conflict with their employer. It is intended for those who believe they have been unfairly dismissed from their job or have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace.
What you get
The primary benefit of this service is a formal legal resolution to your employment dispute. The tribunal provides a structured environment to address workplace grievances and reach a legal conclusion regarding the rights and responsibilities of both the worker and the employer.
What it costs you
Using this service requires a significant investment of your time. The process involves multiple stages and can be lengthy. Before you are even able to reach the tribunal stage, you are legally required to undergo an early conciliation process through ACAS to see if the dispute can be settled without a formal hearing.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that there are very strict time limits for filing your case. You cannot wait indefinitely to seek justice; you must act quickly. Generally, you have a very narrow window—often around three months minus one day from the date the incident occurred—to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue the dispute entirely.
How to apply
- Engage with ACAS to undergo the mandatory early conciliation process.
- Prepare all necessary evidence and documentation related to your specific workplace dispute.
- Complete the formal application required by the service.
- Submit your documentation through the official government portal.