A Tribunal claim has strict deadlines and procedural requirements. Get the steps wrong and your claim may be struck out. Use this checklist.

Identifying the claim

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Identify the legal claim(s) — unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, etc.
Confirm you have the qualifying service if relevant (2 years for unfair dismissal)
Calculate the time limit — 3 months less 1 day from the relevant date
For continuing acts of discrimination, time runs from the last act
For pay claims, multiple unpaid pay periods may be a "series of deductions"
Get free advice from ACAS (0300 123 1100), Citizens Advice, or specialist solicitor

ACAS Early Conciliation (mandatory)

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Submit ACAS Early Conciliation form online at acas.org.uk/early-conciliation
You must do this before lodging an ET claim.
Get your Early Conciliation certificate number
Conciliation period: up to 6 weeks — clock pauses on the Tribunal time limit
Engage with ACAS conciliator if interested in settlement
If no settlement, ACAS issues a certificate and you can file ET1

Evidence gathering

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Send Subject Access Request to former employer for all personal data
Gather employment contract, payslips, dismissal letter, performance reviews
Email/message records (preferably saved and printed)
Witness statements from anyone who saw or heard relevant events
Calculations of financial loss — lost wages, benefits, pension contributions
Medical evidence if discrimination involves disability
Diary of events — chronological with dates and witnesses

Filing the ET1

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Use the online form at gov.uk/employment-tribunals
Include the ACAS certificate number
Identify the respondent (correct legal entity)
State all the claims (better to over-include than under-include)
Set out the chronology of events clearly
State the remedy sought (compensation, reinstatement, declaration)
No filing fee since 2017 (free)
Receive Tribunal acknowledgement with case number

After filing

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Receive the employer's ET3 response within 28 days
Attend preliminary hearing if listed
Complete disclosure of documents
Prepare witness statements (yours and witnesses)
Compile the hearing bundle (agreed file of documents)
Get free representation if available — FRU, Bar Pro Bono Unit, union
Attend the substantive hearing — choose oral over paper for better outcomes

Helpful organisations

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Government

Provides free, impartial advice on workplace relations and employment law, and offers early conciliation before tribunal claims.

Visit website 0300 123 1100

Employment Tribunal

Tribunal

Hears claims about employment disputes, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and unpaid wages.

Visit website

Citizens Advice

Charity

Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.

Visit website 0800 144 8848

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.

Employment Tribunal Claim Filing Checklist