Employment Law

Q: What is the deadline for making a claim to the Tribunal?
A: All applications to the Employment Tribunal must be presented within a certain time limit; this varies according to the type of claim. Most claims must be presented within 3 months.

Q: What happens at a Tribunal Hearing?
A: The final hearing takes the form of a trial before the "panel". The panel usually consists of 3 individuals, at least one of whom will be legally qualified. Each party has the opportunity to put their evidence and "cross examine" their opponent's witnesses.

It is not a requirement to be legally represented at a Tribunal hearing and the Chairman presiding over the panel will usually try to assist any unrepresented parties in adhering to the procedure. However it may be advantageous to be represented as often people feel very anxious and as a result they may have difficulty presenting their case coherently. A legal representative can help to alleviate nerves and make sure all the relevant points in your favour are made.

Q: What about costs?
A: Employers usually engage us on a private fee basis and our rates are competitive. We keep clients informed of the costs being incurred throughout the matter and where possible we always try to estimate the final cost before undertaking any work.

If you are an employee it may be possible for us to represent you on a "no win no fee" basis and we can advise you on this after we have undertaken an assessment of the merits of your case.