How to make an employment tribunal claim
Step-by-step guide to starting an employment tribunal claim in the UK — from checking your eligibility to attending the hearing. No solicitor required.
Check your eligibility and time limits
Before anything else, confirm you have a claim. For unfair dismissal you generally need 2 years' service (dropping to 6 months from April 2027). For discrimination, whistleblowing, or asserting a statutory right, there is no qualifying period. You must act within 3 months minus one day of dismissal. Use the free eligibility checker on this site to confirm in minutes.
Gather your evidence
Start collecting documents immediately: your employment contract, payslips, emails, letters, disciplinary or grievance correspondence, and any witness contact details. Forward work emails to a personal account before your employer cuts off your access. A Subject Access Request (SAR) to your employer can retrieve further records — and must be answered within 30 days.
Contact ACAS to start Early Conciliation
This is mandatory. You cannot submit a tribunal claim without first contacting ACAS. Start Early Conciliation online at acas.org.uk or call 0300 123 1100. ACAS pauses your time limit while conciliation takes place (up to 6 weeks). If conciliation fails or your employer refuses, ACAS issues a certificate number you need to file your ET1.
Complete the ET1 claim form
The ET1 is your formal tribunal claim. It is submitted online at gov.uk/employment-tribunals/make-a-claim. You need your ACAS certificate number to proceed. The ET1 must set out your employment history, the claim you are making, and the remedy you seek. It is difficult to change later — so take time to get it right. Start My Claim has an AI-powered ET1 compiler to guide you through every section.
Prepare for the hearing
After your ET1 is accepted, your employer files an ET3 response. The tribunal will set a timetable and schedule hearings — usually a Preliminary Hearing followed by a Full Merits Hearing. You will need an evidence bundle (all relevant documents in a paginated PDF), a witness statement, and a Schedule of Loss (your financial claim). Start preparing these as soon as your ET1 is accepted.
Attend the tribunal hearing
At the final hearing, you present your case and cross-examine your employer's witnesses. Around 59% of claimants represent themselves. You are entitled to bring a McKenzie Friend (an unpaid lay adviser) if you want support. The tribunal is less formal than a court, but procedures still matter — preparation is the single biggest factor in success.
How long do I have to make an employment tribunal claim?
In most cases you must contact ACAS to start Early Conciliation within 3 months minus one day of the event you are complaining about (usually your last day of employment for dismissal claims, or the discriminatory act for discrimination claims). This deadline is strict — employment tribunals almost never grant extensions.
Do I need a solicitor to make an employment tribunal claim?
No. Around 59% of tribunal claimants represent themselves. The process is designed to be accessible without legal representation. AI tools like Start My Claim can help you draft your ET1, build your evidence bundle, write your witness statement, and prepare for hearing at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor.
How much does it cost to make an employment tribunal claim?
Employment tribunal fees were abolished in 2017 — it costs nothing to submit your ET1. You may incur costs if you instruct a solicitor or barrister. If you lose, you will not usually pay your employer's legal costs (unlike in civil courts) unless the tribunal finds your claim was vexatious or unreasonable.
What is the ET1 form?
The ET1 is the employment tribunal claim form. It is submitted online and sets out who you are, who your employer is, the nature of your claim, and the remedy you are seeking. It cannot easily be amended after submission, so it must be accurate and complete. You receive a case number when it is accepted.
What is ACAS Early Conciliation?
ACAS Early Conciliation is a free, confidential process where ACAS contacts your employer to try to reach a settlement before your claim goes to tribunal. It is mandatory — you cannot file an ET1 without an ACAS certificate. It can take up to 6 weeks. If it fails, ACAS issues a certificate and you can proceed with your claim.
What can I claim for at employment tribunal?
Common claims include unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination (race, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy/maternity), whistleblowing dismissal, unlawful deduction from wages, holiday pay, and breach of contract. Many claims involve more than one type.
How long does an employment tribunal claim take?
Simple unfair dismissal cases typically take 12–18 months from filing to final hearing. Discrimination cases often take longer — 18–24 months or more. Preliminary hearings (to sort out procedural issues) are usually listed within a few months of the ET1 being accepted. Times vary significantly by tribunal region and claim complexity.
What happens if I win my employment tribunal claim?
If you win, the tribunal awards a remedy. For unfair dismissal, this is a Basic Award (based on age, service and weekly pay) plus a Compensatory Award (your actual financial losses, capped at £115,115 or 52 weeks' gross pay, whichever is lower). For discrimination, there is no cap on compensation and injury to feelings is also compensated. Reinstatement or re-engagement can be ordered but rarely are.
How to make an employment tribunal claim in the UK
A step-by-step guide to making an employment tribunal claim in the UK — from checking eligibility and gathering evidence to completing the ET1 and attending the hearing.
How to make an employment tribunal claim
Last updated: April 2026 · Covers Employment Rights Act 2025
Tribunal fees (abolished 2017)
Time limit from dismissal
From decision to hearing
Of claimants self-represent
The 6 steps to an employment tribunal claim
The 3-month time limit is strict
You must contact ACAS within
of your dismissal (or the discriminatory act). Employment tribunals almost never grant extensions — even where the delay was caused by illness or lack of legal advice. If you are close to the deadline, contact ACAS today.
Types of employment tribunal claim
Estimate your compensation
Use the calculator below for an indicative figure based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay.
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Frequently asked questions
Employment tribunal process explained
How the tribunal process works from start to finish, including preliminary hearings and the full hearing.
ACAS Early Conciliation guide
What ACAS Early Conciliation is, how it works, and why it is mandatory before filing an ET1.
How to complete the ET1 form
A detailed guide to completing and submitting the ET1 employment tribunal claim form.
Employment tribunal time limits
The 3-month deadline explained — and what to do if you are approaching it.
How to represent yourself
Tips and guidance for self-represented claimants going to tribunal without a solicitor.
How to write a witness statement
A guide to writing a compelling witness statement for your employment tribunal hearing.