How do I make a claim to an employment tribunal?

You need to find and fill out the relevant forms to access a tribunal. The first step is the ET1 form. You can get one from a Jobcentre, ACAS, your union, a local advice agency or the regional or national Employment Tribunal offices. Form ET1 is also available on-line at www.ets.gov.uk. These forms have recently been amended and it is important that you are not using an out of date version of the form, as this could jeopardise your claim by not including some vital information, which could invalidate your claim.

Seek help from your trade union, or from a Citizens’ Advice Bureau. While a CAB will give free assistance with filling out the form, and general advice on your claim they cannot represent you at the tribunal. Your union will normally be able to provide representation if they judge your claim is likely to succeed. Once you have submitted the ET1 you will become known as the 'Claimant’ and your employer (or ex-employer) will be known as the ‘Respondent’.