The thought of an Employment Tribunal can be daunting. The process is complex, timelines are strict, and the emotional cost is high. But with the right strategy and understanding, you can navigate it effectively to seek justice.
Recent updates to tribunal rules and case management emphasise efficiency, but also place greater responsibility on both parties to cooperate early on. Here’s what you need to know as a potential Claimant:
Key Stages & What They Mean for You:
Early Conciliation (EC): This mandatory step with Acas is your first opportunity for a cost-free, without-prejudice settlement. A strategic approach here can often resolve matters quickly, preserving time and energy.
The Claim & Response: Your ET1 form is your foundation. How you frame your legal claims and facts is critical-it sets the narrative for the entire case. We ensure your claim is robust, precise, and maximises your potential remedies.
Case Management: Tribunals now actively manage cases to narrow issues. You may face Unless Orders (strike-out warnings) for missing deadlines. We handle all procedural compliance, so you can focus on your case, not administrative deadlines.
The Hearing: Preparation is everything. We guide you through witness statements, document bundles, and cross-examination, ensuring you present your strongest possible case.
Understanding Costs & Remedies:
Costs Risks: The general rule in tribunals is that each party pays its own costs, win or lose. However, tribunals can and do award costs against a party (up to £20,000, or unlimited if they’ve acted vexatiously). We advise on conduct to minimise this risk.
What You Can Claim (Remedies): The goal is compensation. This can include:
Financial Losses: Lost wages, pension contributions, benefits.
Injury to Feelings: Awards for discrimination, harassment, or whistleblowing detriment.
Future Losses: If the dismissal affects your long-term earnings.
Reinstatement: Getting your job back (rare, but possible).
Our Strategic Approach for You:
We don’t just process claims; we build litigation strategies. For our clients, this means:
Early Case Analysis: We give you a candid assessment of merits, likely remedies, and risks.
Settlement Strategy: We negotiate from a position of strength, whether in EC or later, always with your best outcome in mind.
Clear Communication: We explain every step, cost implication, and decision in plain English, putting you in control.
Robust Representation: If your case proceeds, we are tenacious advocates at every stage.
Facing a workplace dispute? Don’t navigate the tribunal maze alone. The rules are designed for lawyers, not employees. Let us handle the law, so you can focus on moving forward.
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your situation and how we can help.
J.Preedy Solicitors Ltd
Tel: 0208 545 7700
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