Employment Tribunal Hearing Guide UK for Claimants

Overview

An Employment Tribunal hearing is a formal legal process where disputes between workers and employers are examined and decided. It is chaired by an Employment Judge, who may sit alone or alongside lay panel members depending on the nature of the claim.

Tribunals are less formal than the civil courts, but they still follow set procedural rules, and both sides are expected to present their arguments, question witnesses, and work through documentary evidence in an orderly way. Most claims reach the tribunal only after the parties have tried, and failed, to resolve matters through early conciliation with Acas.

The tribunal's role is to hear both sides, weigh the evidence, apply the relevant employment law, and reach a binding decision. Hearings can last anywhere from a few hours for a short preliminary matter to several days or even weeks for complex discrimination or whistleblowing claims. For claimants, it is the point where written submissions turn into spoken testimony and the case is finally tested.

Key steps

1. Read your notice of hearing carefully. Once a date is set, you will receive written confirmation of when and where the hearing will take place. Double-check the venue, start time, and case reference, and contact the tribunal office promptly if anything is unclear or if a date has been confused. Arrive early, as waiting rooms can be busy and proceedings may not begin immediately.
2. Decide whether to request a postponement. If you genuinely cannot attend, perhaps due to serious illness, bereavement, or another unavoidable clash, you can ask the tribunal in writing to move the hearing. Set out your reasons clearly and send the same request to the respondent. The Employment Judge has discretion to refuse, even when the reason sounds reasonable, so do not assume a postponement will be granted.
3. Prepare your evidence and bundle. Gather every document that supports your case, such as contracts, payslips, emails, grievance correspondence, disciplinary records, and any notes you made at the time. You will usually need to agree a bundle with the respondent in advance, and copies must be provided to the tribunal. Give yourself plenty of time to read through everything so you know where to find each document during the hearing.
4. Line up your witnesses and written statements. Any witness who will give evidence on your behalf will normally need a signed written statement submitted before the hearing. Think carefully about who can speak to the facts you need to prove, rather than general character references. Make sure your witnesses know the date, understand the process, and can attend in person or remotely as directed.
5. Plan how you will present your case. Write out your key points, the remedies you are seeking, and the questions you want to ask the respondent's witnesses. If you can, sit in on a public hearing at your local tribunal beforehand to get a feel for the pace and tone. On the day, speak clearly, stick to the facts, and address the judge respectfully as 'Sir' or 'Madam'.

Common questions