Reading Employment Tribunal — Guide to Hearings in Reading

Serving Berkshire and the Thames Valley, Reading Employment Tribunal handles disputes over dismissal, discrimination, and breach of contract. A guide to attending your hearing and preparing your claim.

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Should I claim at Reading or London tribunal?

If you worked in west London, you may be able to claim at either Reading or London. If you worked in central or east London, claim at London. Contact either tribunal to confirm based on your place of work.

My employer is a tech company in the Thames Valley — what should I know?

Tech and financial services companies in the Thames Valley typically have experienced legal teams. Make your claim thorough and well-documented, and consider getting legal advice before your hearing.

Is there parking in Reading city centre?

Yes, there are car parks but they can be expensive. Most people take the train — Reading station is well-connected. NCP and Park and Ride are alternatives.

What if my employer is in Oxford?

Oxford is served by Reading tribunal, so your claim would go to Reading. Verify the exact location of your place of work — jurisdiction is based on where you worked.

Can my hearing be held by video or hybrid?

The tribunal may agree to remote or hybrid hearings if both parties consent. Reading has experience with remote hearings, especially for preliminary hearings. Request early if you have hardship attending in person.

Reading Employment Tribunal — Guide to Hearings in Reading

Last updated April 2026

About Reading Employment Tribunal

Reading Employment Tribunal serves Berkshire, Oxfordshire, parts of Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire. The tribunal is based in Reading with excellent rail links — Reading station is 30 minutes from London Paddington on the mainline, making it accessible from west London too.

The Thames Valley has a high concentration of tech, financial services, and pharmaceutical employers. Many respondents in this region use legal representation — but this is normal across all tribunals in England. Employment tribunal judges are experienced with self-represented claimants and ensure the process is fair regardless of the employer's resources. Preparation and clear evidence are what win cases.

Getting there: Reading station is a major rail hub with frequent connections to London, the Midlands, and beyond. The tribunal is accessible by bus and taxi from the station.

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 Reading typically take 12–24 months from claim to hearing. This varies depending on caseload and case complexity.

South East tribunals have been managing high caseloads, but Reading generally moves cases at a reasonable pace.

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

If you worked in west London, you may be able to claim at either Reading or London tribunal, as Reading is so close to Paddington. Check your place of work location carefully. If you worked in central or east London, claim at London. Contact Reading or London tribunal to confirm.

Tech and financial services companies in the Thames Valley typically have experienced legal teams. Ensure your claim is as thorough and well-documented as possible. Consider requesting legal advice before your hearing, or use Start My Claim to help you avoid missing key evidence.

Yes, there are several car parks, but they can be expensive. Most people take the train — Reading station is well-connected. If you drive, check NCP car parks or consider Park and Ride.

Oxford is served by Reading tribunal, so your claim would go to Reading. However, verify the exact location of your place of work — the tribunal has rules about jurisdiction based on where you worked.

The tribunal may agree to remote or hybrid hearings if both parties consent. Reading tribunal has experience with remote hearings, especially for preliminary hearings. Request early if you have hardship attending in person.

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