Making an employment tribunal claim: step by step 

1. Raise it with your employer

Most workplace problems should first go through the employer's grievance procedure. The Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures sets the standard, and a tribunal can adjust compensation if either side unreasonably fails to follow it.

2. Acas early conciliation

You will usually need an early conciliation certificate from Acas for each employer (respondent) before you can submit a claim. Conciliation is free and confidential, and many disputes settle at this stage. Note the certificate number: the claim form asks for it.

3. Check the time limit

Time limits are strict. GOV.UK currently says you usually have to claim within 6 months of the problem happening, and that if the problem happened before 1 October 2026 you may need to claim within 3 months. Early conciliation can affect the deadline, but the rules are technical: work out your date early and do not leave it to the last day.

4. Submit form ET1

The claim form sets out who you are claiming against, what happened and what you are asking for. Keep it factual, in date order, and make sure every type of claim you want to bring is included.

5. The employer's response (ET3)

The respondent usually has to reply in writing within 28 days of getting your claim form, giving their side of the case.

6. Case management and preparation

The tribunal then sets directions, often at a preliminary hearing. Typical steps are:

• Disclosure: each side shares the relevant documents
• A schedule of loss setting out what you are claiming
• An agreed hearing bundle
• Exchange of witness statements

7. The final hearing

At the hearing the judge (and sometimes two lay members) hears the evidence, usually reading witness statements first, then questions. Preparation is what makes the difference: knowing your documents, your chronology and the points you must prove.