Employment Law
What it is: The Employment Tribunal is the specialist body that hears most workplace disputes in England and Wales, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, unlawful deduction from wages, redundancy pay, and breach of contract claims arising on termination. This service covers preparing, bringing, or defending a tribunal claim from start to finish. When it applies: A tribunal claim becomes relevant once an internal grievance or negotiation has failed to resolve a workplace dispute and you wish to enforce your statutory or contractual rights, or where you are an employer defending such a claim. Most claims are subject to a strict time limit, commonly three months less one day, and require Acas early conciliation before a claim can be lodged. How a solicitor helps: An employment solicitor assesses the merits and value of the claim, ensures deadlines and conciliation requirements are met, and drafts the claim or response. They manage disclosure, prepare witness statements and bundles, advise on settlement through Acas or a settlement agreement, and represent you at the preliminary and final hearings. First steps: Note the date of the act complained of, begin Acas early conciliation promptly to protect your position, and gather your contract, payslips, and relevant correspondence. Seek advice early, as tribunal deadlines are unforgiving. Northern Ireland has its own Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal system.
