How to make an employment tribunal claim
An employment tribunal claim usually starts with ACAS Early Conciliation before you submit the ET1 claim form. Begin by checking your deadline and preparing a dated account of the problem. Keep the relevant documents with that account so an adviser can assess the legal merits of your case.
Employment tribunal claim deadlines
Acas states that time limits for employment tribunal claims increased from 3 months to 6 months on 1 October 2026. The 3 month limit may still apply to problems that started before 1 October 2026. Check your deadline early and seek advice.
A claim usually starts with ACAS Early Conciliation before the tribunal claim form, called the ET1. Give your adviser the dates of the problems you want to raise and any ACAS correspondence. Do not assume a general reference to 6 months confirms the deadline for your circumstances.
The ET1 claim form and the ET3 response
The claimant starts the claim with the ET1 form after ACAS Early Conciliation. The employer replies with the ET3 response. Keep copies of both documents with the evidence you are using to prepare your account.
Belonge offers Particulars of Claim preparation support and ET3 response review. These services help you prepare your documents. Belonge does not represent clients and does not attend hearings or tribunals.
Preparing your documents
Arrange the documents in date order. Label each one with its name and date. Keep the dismissal explanation separate from your response so the disputed events can be identified. If a document is missing, list it and explain what you believe it would show.
For an unfair dismissal claim, Employment Rights Act 1996 section 98 requires the employer to show a reason from the specified categories. Section 98(4) then asks whether the employer acted reasonably in treating it as sufficient to dismiss. A legal expert can review the reason and the records of the decision.
Compensation is not guaranteed by a procedural failure. An award can be reduced, including to nothing, where the employee would have been dismissed anyway or their conduct contributed to dismissal. Keep pay records and records of your search for other work for any discussion of loss.
How Belonge helps
A Case Assessment costs £149, or 3 payments of £49.67 with Klarna. It includes one hour with a legal expert by video or audio on Microsoft Teams, a review of your evidence and key documents, and a written report by 11:59pm (UK time) on the next working day once all requested documents are provided.
Our legal experts are solicitors, barristers, CILEX professionals and accredited HR Directors. We advise employees in England, Scotland and Wales.
Belonge prepares clients. We do not represent clients and do not attend meetings, hearings or tribunals.
Common questions
What should I check first? Acas states that time limits for employment tribunal claims increased from 3 months to 6 months on 1 October 2026. The 3 month limit may still apply to problems that started before 1 October 2026. Check your deadline early and seek advice.
How does a tribunal claim start? A claim usually starts with ACAS Early Conciliation before the claimant submits the ET1 tribunal claim form. The employer replies with the ET3 response.
Does Belonge represent clients? Belonge prepares clients. We do not represent clients and do not attend meetings, hearings or tribunals.
Get advice on your case
Review your documents and the action you need to take with a legal expert. Book a Case Assessment before making decisions about your case.