Exeter Employment Tribunal — Guide to Hearings in Exeter

Serving Devon, Cornwall, and parts of the South West, Exeter Employment Tribunal handles disputes over dismissal, discrimination, and breach of contract. A guide to attending your hearing.

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Are hearings ever held in Plymouth or Cornwall?

Occasionally the tribunal holds satellite hearings in other locations, but the main centre is Exeter. If you live in Cornwall and would face hardship, you can request a remote or virtual hearing.

Is there parking in Exeter city centre?

Yes, there are several car parks but they can be expensive. Most people take the train — both Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central are close to the centre. NCP and Park and Ride are alternatives.

Can I travel from Plymouth without staying overnight?

Yes. Plymouth is about 1 hour by train from Exeter. Most claimants travel in on the day, though it is a long day for an early morning slot.

I live in Cornwall and the journey is very long — what are my options?

Truro to Exeter is about 1 hour 20 minutes by train. Consider requesting a remote or virtual hearing if hardship would result — the tribunal may grant it if both parties agree.

My employer is an agriculture business — anything I should know?

Agriculture is a significant employer in the South West and the tribunal is familiar with these disputes. Document everything — contract, working hours, and any treatment issues — since arrangements are often informal.

Exeter Employment Tribunal — Guide to Hearings in Exeter

Last updated April 2026

About Exeter Employment Tribunal

Exeter Employment Tribunal serves Devon, Cornwall, Somerset (with Bristol tribunal), and parts of the South West. The tribunal is based in Exeter city centre with transport links from Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central railway stations.

The South West is a rural region with many claimants travelling long distances. Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and NHS are significant employment sectors. Many claimants commute from small towns and villages.

Getting there: Exeter St Davids is the main railway station (larger trains); Exeter Central serves local routes. The tribunal is accessible by bus and taxi from either station. Note: claimants from Cornwall face very long journeys — from Truro to Exeter is about 1 hour 20 minutes by train.

Find exact address & contact details

gov.uk/courts-tribunals/employment-tribunal

for the official address, phone number, and email for this tribunal centre.

What Happens on the Day

Arrival and check-in

Arrive 20–30 minutes early. You will check in with the tribunal reception. Have your hearing notice, ET1 (claim form), and any documents with you.

You will sit opposite the respondent (employer or their lawyer). The employment judge will be at the centre, flanked by two tribunal members (lay members). The atmosphere is formal but not as theatrical as a Crown Court.

You will give evidence under oath. The respondent or their lawyer will cross-examine you. Be calm, clear, and refer to dates and documents. Stick to what you witnessed or did — don't speculate.

Witnesses and documents

If you have witnesses, they will give evidence in the same way. All documents (emails, contracts, handbooks) should have been submitted beforehand in an agreed hearing bundle.

The tribunal may announce the decision and reasons immediately, or deliver them in writing within weeks. If you win, they will specify any compensation or remedy (e.g., reinstatement).

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Gather all relevant documents: employment contract, offer letter, payslips, emails about your dismissal or treatment, texts, performance reviews, and any written warnings or disciplinary letters. Organise them in date order.

If you have witnesses (colleagues, friends, family who saw discrimination or unfair treatment), ask them to provide a written statement under oath. It must be clear, factual, and dated.

Before the hearing, both you and the respondent must agree on a bundle of documents. These form the evidence the tribunal will consider. Check it carefully — ensure nothing relevant is missing.

Your witness statement

Write a clear account of what happened, in date order. Courts call this your "statement of facts." Stick to what you know; don't editorialise.

Employment tribunal claims in Exeter typically take 12–24 months from claim to hearing. This varies depending on caseload and case complexity.

South West tribunals serve a rural region with lower case volumes than major urban centres, so wait times can sometimes be shorter.

ACAS early conciliation can often resolve cases faster — many are settled in the first 3 months.

Occasionally, the tribunal holds satellite hearings in other locations, but the main centre is Exeter. Check with the tribunal when you submit your claim. If you live in Cornwall and would face excessive hardship, you can request a remote or virtual hearing.

Yes, there are several car parks, but they can be expensive. Most people take the train — both Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central are close to the city centre. If you drive, check NCP car parks or consider Park and Ride.

Yes. Plymouth is about 1 hour by train from Exeter. Most claimants travel in on the day of the hearing, though it is a long day if you have an early morning slot.

The journey from Cornwall to Exeter is significant (Truro to Exeter is 1 hour 20 minutes by train). Consider requesting a remote or virtual hearing if hardship would result from attending in person. You can request this early in the process. The tribunal may grant it if both parties agree.

Agriculture is a significant employer in the South West. The tribunal is familiar with agricultural employment disputes. Ensure you have clear evidence of your contract, working hours, and any dismissal or treatment issues. Many agricultural workers have informal arrangements — document everything.

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