Free employment tribunal help UK

You don't need to spend thousands on a solicitor to win at employment tribunal. Here are every free and low-cost option available to UK workers — compared honestly.

Can I get free legal advice for an employment tribunal?

Yes. Free options include ACAS (free Early Conciliation and helpline), Citizens Advice (free initial advice), law centres (free legal services in some areas), trade union representation if you are a member, and university law clinics. Start My Claim is free to start and gives you AI-powered guidance on your claim without upfront cost.

Does ACAS give free employment law advice?

Yes — ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free, impartial employment law advice via its helpline (0300 123 1100) and website. It also runs free Early Conciliation, which is mandatory before you can file a tribunal claim. ACAS advisers explain your rights but cannot represent you at tribunal.

Can I get free legal representation at employment tribunal?

Legal aid is not available for employment tribunal claims. Free representation options include: trade union representation (if you are a member), law centres (means-tested), and free representation units at some universities and bar associations. No-win no-fee solicitors are another option — they take a percentage of your award if you win.

Is there an AI tool that helps with employment tribunal claims?

Yes. Start My Claim (startmyclaim.ai) is an AI-powered employment tribunal claim builder. It helps UK workers assess their claim, draft their ET1 form, build an evidence bundle, write a witness statement, and prepare for the hearing — at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor. It is free to start.

What is the best free resource for employment tribunal help?

The best free resources are: ACAS (acas.org.uk) for Early Conciliation and general advice, gov.uk for tribunal forms and procedure guides, Citizens Advice for an overview of your rights, and Start My Claim for AI-guided claim building. For specific legal questions, a Citizens Advice appointment or a law centre is recommended.

Can I represent myself at employment tribunal for free?

Yes — and most claimants do. Around 59% of employment tribunal claimants represent themselves. There are no restrictions on self-representation, and the tribunal is specifically designed to be accessible without a lawyer. Start My Claim provides the tools and guidance to help you self-represent effectively.

No-win no-fee solicitor

Your options explained

Free employment tribunal help UK

Last updated: April 2026

It is completely free to submit an ET1 claim. There are no upfront tribunal costs, and in most cases you will not pay your employer's legal costs even if you lose — unlike in civil courts.

All your options — compared

What does a solicitor actually cost?

Employment solicitors typically charge £200–£450 per hour. A straightforward unfair dismissal case handled by a solicitor from start to finish — ET1 to hearing — will usually cost £3,000–£8,000+. Many workers with valid claims never pursue them because of this cost barrier.

Solicitor-managed claim

Billed by the hour regardless of outcome

If you win — can significantly reduce your compensation

AI-guided — you own the process

Start your claim today — free

Start My Claim gives you everything you need to make a tribunal claim yourself: ET1 compiler, evidence bundle builder, witness statement generator, and hearing preparation — guided by AI.

No credit card required

Frequently asked questions

How to represent yourself at tribunal

Tips for self-represented claimants — how to present your case effectively without a solicitor.

Do I need a solicitor?

An honest guide to when a solicitor is worth it and when you can go it alone.

No-win no-fee solicitors

How conditional fee agreements work and when to consider one.

McKenzie Friends explained

What a McKenzie Friend is and how they can support you at tribunal.

Legal aid for employment disputes

Whether legal aid is available for employment tribunal claims.

How to make a tribunal claim

A full step-by-step guide to making an employment tribunal claim from start to finish.