Edinburgh Employment Tribunal — how to file your claim

If you live or work in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Borders, or Highlands, your employment tribunal case will usually be heard in Edinburgh. The substantive law is the same as in England and Wales — what differs is procedure and local practice.

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Where is Edinburgh Employment Tribunal?

The Edinburgh Employment Tribunal is located at 54–56 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HF. It is the principal tribunal for Scotland's central belt and handles the majority of Scottish employment tribunal cases.

Is Scottish employment tribunal law different from England?

For most purposes, the substantive law is the same — the Employment Rights Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, and related legislation apply across Great Britain. However, Scottish tribunals apply Scots procedural law and some Scottish employment law nuances. Tribunal rules and forms are the same across England, Wales, and Scotland.

How do I start an employment tribunal claim in Edinburgh?

The process is identical to England and Wales: start ACAS Early Conciliation first, then submit an ET1 form online at tribunals.gov.uk. The claim will be routed to Edinburgh (or Glasgow or Aberdeen) based on where you worked.

How long does Edinburgh Employment Tribunal take?

Typically 12–24 months from claim to final hearing, though this varies by complexity. A preliminary hearing may be listed within a few months to identify issues. Case management is broadly similar to England and Wales tribunals.

Can I represent myself at Edinburgh Employment Tribunal?

Yes. You can present your own case (called a "party litigant" in Scotland). Many claimants represent themselves successfully, particularly with the support of a tool like Start My Claim to draft documents and prepare arguments.

Edinburgh Employment Tribunal

Edinburgh Employment Tribunal — how to file your claim

GOV.UK tribunal guidance

Last updated: April 2026

Edinburgh EH3 7HF — principal Scottish tribunal venue

Time limit from dismissal or last act — same as England

ERA 1996 and Equality Act 2010 apply across Great Britain

The Edinburgh tribunal — key details

Employment Tribunal, 54–56 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HF. Tel: 0131 226 5584. General enquiries for Scottish tribunals can also be made to the Central Office of Employment Tribunals (Scotland), also based in Edinburgh.

Which cases are heard in Edinburgh?

Cases where the respondent (employer) has their registered office in Scotland, or where the employment was wholly or mainly in Scotland. Edinburgh handles cases from the central belt, Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife, and the Highlands and Islands. Glasgow handles the west of Scotland.

Scots law differences

The substantive employment law is the same across Great Britain. Procedural differences include: Scottish tribunals apply the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013, common to all Great Britain tribunals. However, some Scottish civil procedure language differs — claimants are sometimes called "pursuers" in other Scottish courts, though employment tribunals use "claimant" throughout.

Scottish ACAS region

ACAS Scotland covers all employment matters in Scotland. The Early Conciliation requirement applies identically in Scotland — you must start EC before submitting your ET1. The ACAS Scotland team can be contacted on 0300 123 1100.

How to make a claim at Edinburgh Employment Tribunal

Edinburgh Tribunal — common questions

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