Definition
A judicial body that hears and decides claims relating to employment law, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and unpaid wages. Tribunals are independent of the court system and aim to provide a less formal setting for resolving employment disputes.
UK Context
Employment tribunals are governed by the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. Most claims must be submitted within three months of the act complained of. Since 2017, there are no fees to bring a tribunal claim. Claims must go through ACAS Early Conciliation before a tribunal application is made.
Best Practices
- Maintain thorough, contemporaneous records of all employment decisions and processes
- Engage with ACAS Early Conciliation genuinely and in good faith to try to resolve disputes
- Seek legal advice early if a tribunal claim is received and prepare a response within the 28-day deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to bring a tribunal claim?
Most claims must be made within three months less one day from the date of the act complained of. However, submitting an ACAS Early Conciliation notification pauses the clock, effectively extending the time limit during the conciliation period.
What compensation can a tribunal award?
Compensation varies by claim type. For unfair dismissal, the basic award is calculated like redundancy pay, and the compensatory award is capped at the lower of one year's salary or the statutory cap. Discrimination claims have no cap on compensation.