How to File a Claim with Employment Tribunal in the UK

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Миколаєнко Олена Василівна

Attorney

United Kingdom / England

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Publication date: 03.09.2025

Filing a claim with an Employment Tribunal is a vital mechanism for safeguarding employee rights UK when facing unfair dismissal, discrimination, or breaches of UK labour law. Legal Marketplace Consultant provides employment contract consultation and HR legal consulting to assist you in gathering evidence, conducting legal review employment contract, and developing a clear action plan for a successful tribunal claim. Our services support workers across all types of employment UK, including contract employment UK, fixed-term contract UK, and zero-hours contract, ensuring justice and compensation through the tribunal process.

What is an Employment Tribunal

An Employment Tribunal is an independent judicial body in the UK that resolves disputes between employees and employers under UK labour law. Governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996 and updated by the Employment Rights Bill 2025, it addresses claims related to unfair dismissal, discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, unpaid wages, or violations of working arrangements UK. For example, if your fixed-term contract UK was terminated unlawfully or your zero-hours contract violates 2025 regulations, you can file a claim.

Common tribunal claims include:

• Unfair dismissal due to lack of fair reason or procedure.
• Discrimination based on protected characteristics like gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Breaches of contract terms, including contract employment UK or zero-hours contract.
• Non-payment of wages, bonuses, or compensation for shift cancellations.

Legal Marketplace Consultant offers UK labour law advice to evaluate your case, prepare documentation, and identify grounds for a claim. Our employment contract consultation ensures your working arrangements UK comply with legal standards and uncovers violations that support your tribunal case.

Who Can File a Claim

UK labour law protects workers across all types of employment UK, including:

1. Permanent employees with a contract employment UK.
2. Workers on fixed-term contract UK, who may face discrimination compared to permanent staff.
3. Individuals on zero-hours contract, protected by Employment Rights Bill 2025.
4. Self-employed individuals whose work aligns with contract employment UK, as per the Uber v Aslam (2021) precedent.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, employment contract consultation from Consultant assesses your status and determines if your case falls under tribunal jurisdiction. Our legal review employment contract identifies breaches in your working arrangements UK, such as unfair terms in a fixed-term contract UK, that can strengthen your claim.

Steps to File a Tribunal Claim

Filing a claim with an Employment Tribunal requires strict adherence to procedures and deadlines set by UK labour law. The standard time limit is 3 months from the date of the violation (extending to 6 months from 2026 per Employment Rights Bill 2025). Here’s a detailed action plan:

1. Collect Evidence: Gather emails, contracts, payslips, or witness statements that prove breaches of employee rights UK. These form the foundation of your claim.
2. Engage ACAS: Complete early conciliation through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), a mandatory step to attempt resolution before tribunal.
3. Submit Form ET1: If conciliation fails, file your claim using the ET1 form (online or paper), clearly detailing the violation, such as discrimination or unfair dismissal.
4. Prepare for Hearing: The tribunal will schedule a hearing where you or your representative present the case. Strong evidence and arguments are critical.
5. Attend the Hearing: The tribunal hears both parties and issues a ruling, which may include compensation or reinstatement.

HR legal consulting from Consultant supports you at every step, from evidence collection to tribunal representation. Our legal review employment contract identifies violations in fixed-term contract UK or zero-hours contract, bolstering your case.

Possible Tribunal Outcomes

Employment Tribunal decisions depend on your case specifics and types of employment UK. Potential outcomes include:

• Compensation: In 2024, average awards for unfair dismissal ranged from £10,000–£20,000, with discrimination cases reaching up to £50,000.
• Reinstatement: Return to your original role with the same conditions.
• Re-engagement: Employment in a different position within the company.
• Contract Corrections: For instance, addressing unfair terms in zero-hours contract or unpaid wages.

For zero-hours contract workers, 2025 rules enable claims for compensation due to shift cancellations without notice. UK labour law advice from Consultant assesses potential awards, prepares your claim, and ensures your contract employment UK is free of unfair clauses that could impact the tribunal outcome.

Legal Support and Tribunal Preparation

Filing a tribunal claim can be complex, but professional support significantly improves your chances of success. Legal Marketplace Consultant offers comprehensive services to protect your employee rights UK:

• Case Assessment: Our employment contract consultation evaluates your claim’s strength and identifies the best approach.
• Contract Review: Legal review employment contract uncovers breaches that support your claim, such as issues in fixed-term contract UK or zero-hours contract.
• Document Preparation: We assist in completing the ET1 form and compiling evidence for a compelling tribunal presentation.
• Representation Guidance: HR legal consulting provides strategies for tribunal hearings and, if needed, recommendations for legal representation.

UK labour law, including the Employment Rights Bill 2025, strengthens protections, particularly for zero-hours contract workers, with compensation for shift cancellations and day 1 protection for challenging unfair dismissal. Employment contract consultation from Consultant ensures you leverage these rights for maximum compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tribunal Claims

How to Prepare for a Tribunal Claim

Retain Evidence: Collect all documents proving violations for a strong tribunal case.

Review Contract: Order legal review employment contract from Consultant to identify claim grounds.

Seek Support: Use employment contract consultation for ACAS or tribunal preparation.