How do I make a claim at an employment tribunal?

Submit an ET1 form to your local employment tribunal. You need an ACAS certificate first. You can represent yourself or use a solicitor.

Once ACAS conciliation is finished (or a certificate issued), you can make a claim to the employment tribunal. The process is relatively straightforward—you fill in a form (ET1), submit it, and prepare for a hearing.

Step-by-step

  1. Get ACAS certificate. Conciliation must have happened first (or been exempt, rarely).
  2. Fill ET1 form. This is the claim form. You describe what happened, who was involved, what law was broken, and what you're claiming.
  3. Submit to tribunal. Online at employmenttribunals.gov.uk or by post. Include ACAS certificate.
  4. Tribunal acknowledges. They confirm receipt and send case number.
  5. Your employer responds. They have 28 days to submit an ET3 form (response).
  6. Pre-hearing stage. Tribunal may hold a preliminary hearing to settle issues.
  7. Main hearing. You present your case, your employer presents theirs, witnesses give evidence, judge decides.

ET1 form—what to include

  • Your name, address, contact details
  • Your employer's name and address
  • Your employment dates and job title
  • Your pay and hours
  • What happened (chronological account of key events)
  • Which laws were broken (unfair dismissal, discrimination, etc.)
  • What you're claiming (compensation, reinstatement, etc.)
  • ACAS certificate number

Do you need a solicitor?

No—you can represent yourself. Many people do. The tribunal is meant to be accessible without lawyers.

But a solicitor helps. They can advise on law, help draft the ET1, represent you at hearing, and advise on settlement. Legal aid may be available for some cases—ask a solicitor.

Timeline

  • Submit ET1: within 3 months of ACAS certificate
  • Employer's response (ET3): 28 days after served
  • Pre-hearing: 4-6 weeks later (if needed)
  • Main hearing: 2-6 months later (varies)

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Last verified: May 2026