ACAS Early Conciliation
A pre-claim stage where ACAS tries to help both sides resolve matters.
Tribunal process explained
Employment Tribunals are a normal legal process. This guide breaks the stages down into plain language so you can understand what usually happens and where cases can vary.
How the process usually works
This is a typical pathway. Individual cases can move differently.
Step 1
Issue at work
A dispute develops around dismissal, discrimination, pay, whistleblowing, or another workplace issue.
Step 2
Internal route
People often use grievance, disciplinary, or internal appeal processes first.
Step 3
ACAS Early Conciliation
Most claims need ACAS contact before an ET1 claim is filed.
Step 4
ET1 filed
The claimant submits ET1 with legal complaints and key factual background.
Step 5
ET3 response
The employer files ET3 and the tribunal usually issues case-management directions.
Step 6
Case management and evidence
Documents, disclosure, witness statements, and hearing preparation take place.
Step 7
Hearing and judgment
The tribunal hears evidence and gives judgment, then remedy or further steps where needed.
Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0. Open Parliament Licence v3.0. This diagram is adapted from the UK Parliament Commons Library explainer: Making a claim to an employment tribunal.
What usually happens vs what can vary
Usually happens
Most claims move through ACAS, ET1/ET3 pleadings, case management, and a hearing or settlement discussion.
Can vary
Timing, hearing length, procedural orders, and settlement points can vary significantly by claim type and facts.
Plain-English legal terms
A quick glossary for the most common tribunal terms.
ET1
The claim form that starts the tribunal case.
ET3
The response form filed by the employer.
Preliminary hearing
A hearing to deal with early legal or procedural issues before the full hearing.
Disclosure
The process of sharing relevant documents between both sides.
Witness statement
A written account of evidence that a witness will usually stand by at hearing.
Final hearing
The main hearing where the tribunal decides disputed issues.
Remedy
What happens if a claim succeeds: compensation, recommendations, or other orders.