Employment Tribunal Proceedings
Employment Tribunal claims in England and Wales follow a structured process governed by the Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 (SI 2024/1155), in force since 6 January 2025. From the initial ET1 claim form to the final hearing, proper document organisation is essential.
Cases typically progress through preliminary hearings (for case management, strike-out applications, or substantive issues), followed by a full merits hearing if the matter isn't resolved earlier.
Types of Employment Claims
The Employment Tribunal handles various workplace disputes including unfair dismissal, discrimination (under the Equality Act 2010), redundancy payments, whistleblowing (protected disclosures), and breach of contract claims.
Each claim type has specific evidential requirements and time limits. For most claims, contact ACAS for Early Conciliation, then present your ET1 within 6 months less one day of the act or the effective date of termination where that date is on or after 1 October 2026 (3 months less one day where it is earlier). This now includes breach-of-contract claims. Early Conciliation can extend the time limit.
What Goes in an ET Bundle?
Employment Tribunal bundles are usually in chronological order and, when electronic documents are ordered, numbered from page 1 to the end in Arabic numerals with no separately numbered sections. The bundle should contain only relevant documents that will be referred to at the hearing.
- ET1 claim form and ET3 response
- ACAS Early Conciliation certificate
- Contract of employment and staff handbook extracts
- Relevant correspondence and emails
- Grievance and disciplinary documents
- Witness statements (usually exchanged separately)
- Chronology and cast list
- Schedule of loss (for remedy)



