Employment Tribunals – Introduction and Overview

Written by Andrew Johnson, Founder and CEO HRGuide - updated Mon 8th Dec 2025

Employment tribunals are judicial bodies that resolve disputes between workers and employers regarding employment law in the UK. They address workplace disputes, including issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, wage disputes, and breaches of employment contracts. 

If any individual wants to make a claim at an employment tribunal, they must notify Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and obtain an Early Conciliation certificate. This is a mandatory step aimed at resolving disputes without the need for a tribunal hearing. 

Claims generally need to be submitted within three months minus one day from the date of the incident or the end of employment. If a claim is submitted late, the claimant must provide a valid reason for the delay. 

During a tribunal hearing, both parties (the claimant and the respondent) present their cases, including evidence and witness testimonies. The tribunal panel will then make a decision based on the information presented. 

After the hearing, the tribunal will issue a decision, which can include orders for compensation or reinstatement. If either party is dissatisfied with the decision, they may have the option to appeal to a higher court.