Reading Employment Tribunal

It is usually a good idea to plan your route to the tribunal venue ahead of time whether you choose to travel by car or public transport.

Some people also find it benefical to have a “dry run” of their journey at the same time of day as your hearing so you can identify any potential issues with traffic and ensure you can find your way to the tribunal venue.

It can also be useful to watch a hearing at a tribunal so you understand the procedure and what happens. You can do this by contacting any tribunal office and asking if there is a suitable hearing for you to observe.

The employment tribunal will decide whether your tribunal claim succeeds or fails and if it succeeds what should be awarded to you.

It is the norm in claims such as yours to be allocated a hearing of one hour and for the Employment Judge to sit alone. If you believe it should be heard by a full tribunal, then you must inform the employment tribunal in writing, stating your reasons why. The Employment Judge will ensure that you take the steps described below in a calm and measured way. However, they may have to be firm in moving the case forward to ensure that it proceeds at a pace which enables it to be dealt with within the allocated time.

You will normally give your evidence and call any witnesses first. However, there is no absolute rule as to which side starts. You and your witnesses will have to give evidence on oath or affirmation. If you lie after swearing an oath or affirmation you could be convicted of perjury. In England and Wales you may give evidence by reading a prepared written statement if you want.

The respondent or their representative can then ask you or your witness questions (this is called ‘cross examination’). Finally, the Employment Judge may ask some questions. The same procedure is then usually followed in respect of the other witnesses and then with the respondent. Once all the evidence has been heard, the Employment Judge will usually announce the judgment and give reasons for it.

If you or anyone attending your tribunal hearing with you has a disability or a particular need, you should contact the tribunal office dealing with your case to discuss the matter.

Examples of the help that can be provided include converting documents to Braille or larger print, and paying for foreign – or sign language interpreters. Hearing-induction loops in the room where the hearing is held can be provided if you need them.

We advise that you contact the tribunal office dealing with your case as soon as possible so that suitable arrangements can be made.