What is the Employment Tribunal

If you think that you have been treated in an unlawful way by your employer you should start with notifying ACAS about your intention to sue him. It was explained in the previous articles. But, if counciliation ACAS offers turns out to be unsuccessful you can then within three months apply to the Tribunal.

There is no need to worry about high costs of taking such a step as it is not necessary to hire a lawyer to represent you. The idea behind tribunals is to enable an ordinary citizen without expert legal knowledge to represent themselves. Therefore, proceedings in tribunals are less demanding as to the use of legal terminology and presentation of evidence. Judges are aware that claimants are not qualified lawyers and he will not expect you to act like one.

However, you should present your case with as strong evidence as you can. So, you should bring any witnesses and documents with you that can prove that the employer has acted unlawfully towards you.

Hearing at the Employment Tribunal usually take place in the area where you live so there is no need to worry about high costs of travelling. However, these costs are not refundable.

You can also make a claim to an employment tribunal by yourself, either online or by post. After that the other party gets 28 days to present their side of the story in writing. Once a judge has both testimonies he will decide whether the case should be heard at the tribunal. If the other party fails to reply on time the judge can make a judgement solely on your testimony without a full trial.

So, tribunals are very friendly in allowing people to sue their employers in cheap and uncomplicated way. We should make a use of it when necessary to ensure that there is justice.

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