⚖️ These guides are for general information only and are not legal advice. Every case is different. If you’re unsure about your situation, speak to a solicitor.
These 10 guides cover every stage of the employment tribunal process. They’re organised in the order you’re likely to need them, starting with internal workplace procedures and ending with the final hearing. Use the headings below to jump to the stage that’s relevant to you.
⚖️ Legislation Update
Major Changes Coming Under the Employment Rights Act 2025
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes. From October 2026, most tribunal time limits extend from three months to six months. From January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal reduces from two years to six months. These guides will be updated as each change comes into force.
Workplace Procedure Guides
Before you reach the tribunal stage, you may need to deal with internal workplace procedures. Your employer should follow the Acas Code of Practice, and you have rights throughout these processes.
How to Prepare for a Disciplinary Hearing
A practical five-point framework covering what your employer should do at each stage, your right to be accompanied, and the common mistakes that weaken your position.
How to Raise a Grievance
How to structure your grievance, what to include, and why following the correct procedure matters if you later bring a tribunal claim.
How to Write an Appeal Letter
How to structure your appeal against a disciplinary decision or grievance outcome, what grounds to raise, and how to present your case at the appeal hearing.
Starting the Tribunal Process
Once internal procedures are exhausted, or if your situation requires direct legal action, these guides cover the early stages. Remember: you currently have three months minus one day from the relevant event to start the process by contacting Acas.
How to Register with ACAS Early Conciliation
The mandatory first step before you can bring a tribunal claim. Covers how to register, what happens during conciliation, and how the process affects your time limits.
How to Lodge an ET1 Claim Form
A walkthrough of each section of the form, what information the tribunal needs, and where mistakes most commonly cause problems.
Preparing Your Case
After your claim is accepted, the tribunal will issue case management orders setting out deadlines for the documents you need to prepare. These three guides cover the main ones.
How to Put Together a Schedule of Loss
How to calculate and present the compensation you’re claiming, with worked examples and a downloadable template. See also our schedule of loss calculator.
How to Draft a Witness Statement
One of the most important documents in your case. Covers how to structure your statement, what to include and leave out, and how to present your account clearly.
How to Put Together a List of Documents
How to compile your disclosure, what documents to include, and how to organise them into an indexed bundle. Includes an example list to download.
Your Tribunal Hearings
These guides prepare you for what to expect when you attend the employment tribunal, whether in person or by video.
How to Prepare for a Preliminary Hearing
What to expect at the case management stage, how to prepare your agenda, and what orders the tribunal is likely to make.
How to Prepare for Your Employment Tribunal Hearing
Practical preparation for the final hearing: what to do beforehand, what to expect when you arrive, how evidence is given, and how to handle cross-examination.
Related Tools and Calculators
Free tools to help with specific parts of the process, all using current 2025/26 figures.
📊 Schedule of Loss Calculator
Estimate your compensation using current figures
⏰ Time Limits Calculator
Check your deadline for bringing a claim
🧮 Redundancy Calculator
Calculate your statutory redundancy entitlement
💷 Compensation Calculator
Estimate unfair dismissal compensation
“I wrote these guides because I’ve seen too many people lose good cases through avoidable mistakes. Understanding the process and being properly prepared can transform your chances, whether you’re representing yourself or working with a solicitor.”
Need Professional Help?
If you have a viable case, we may be able to represent you on a no win no fee basis. Our success fee is 35% (inclusive of VAT) of any compensation recovered, meaning you keep 65%.
If you need help with a specific step, or want an initial assessment, we offer fixed fee consultations starting from £60 plus VAT giving you direct access to a solicitor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these employment tribunal guides if I already have a solicitor?
Yes. Understanding the process yourself puts you in a stronger position, even with professional representation. You’ll be better able to give instructions, understand the advice you receive, and prepare effectively for hearings.
Are these how-to guides up to date?
Yes. We review all guides regularly to reflect changes in legislation, tribunal rules, and compensation figures. Each guide shows when it was last reviewed. All figures and procedures are current for 2025/26, and we’ll update them as the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes come into force.
Do I have to follow all these steps in order?
Not necessarily. The guides are organised in a typical sequence, but your situation may be different. If you’ve been dismissed without any disciplinary process, for example, you might go straight to the ACAS early conciliation guide. Read the guides that apply to where you are.
What if my employer doesn’t follow proper procedure?
If your employer fails to follow the Acas Code of Practice, the tribunal can increase any compensation award by up to 25%. Procedural failures can also strengthen your case. Our guides explain what proper procedure looks like so you can identify where things went wrong.
How long do I have to bring an employment tribunal claim?
For most claims, you have three months minus one day from the relevant event to contact Acas and start early conciliation. This deadline is strict. Use our time limits calculator to check yours. From October 2026, most time limits will extend to six months under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Can I get professional help with just one part of the process?
Yes. We offer fixed fee consultations starting from £60 plus VAT for specific tasks such as reviewing your ET1, drafting your schedule of loss, or preparing your witness statement. You don’t need to instruct us for the whole case.
💬 Need advice on your situation?
Our employment law team can assess your claim and advise on your options
Get Free Initial Advice →Important: These guides provide general information about employment law and the employment tribunal process. They are not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Employment law is complex and the rules may apply differently depending on your circumstances. If you are considering bringing an employment tribunal claim, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice to ensure you do not miss your deadline.
Sources and Further Reading
Primary Legislation
- Employment Rights Act 1996 (unfair dismissal framework and tribunal time limits)
- Equality Act 2010 (discrimination claims and protected characteristics)
- Employment Rights Act 2025 (upcoming changes to time limits and qualifying periods)
Official Guidance
- Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
- Acas Early Conciliation guidance
- GOV.UK Employment Tribunal guidance
Tribunal Rules and Procedure
Tom Street
Tom Street is the principal solicitor at Tom Street & Co. Solicitors, specialising in employment law and tribunal claims. He regularly represents claimants in unfair dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing cases. View full profile