An employment tribunal is a legal body in the UK that deals with problems between workers and employers. It is less formal than a court but still follows legal rules.

What Types of Problems It Covers

Employment tribunals handle cases such as

• Unfair dismissal
• Redundancy disputes
• Discrimination at work
• Unpaid wages or holiday pay
• Breaches of contract
• Issues with working hours or rights

Who Can Make a Claim

Most employees and workers can make a claim. Before you start, you usually need to contact Acas for early conciliation. This is a free service that helps both sides try to reach an agreement without going to a tribunal.

How the Process Works

• Submit your claim online
• Your employer responds
• Both sides share evidence
• A hearing takes place
• A judge makes a decision

Hearings can be in person, by phone or by video.

What the Tribunal Can Decide

• Award compensation
• Order your employer to give you your job back
• Confirm that your employer acted fairly
• Make other orders depending on the case

How Long It Takes

Cases can take several months or longer. The time depends on how complex the case is and how busy the tribunal is.