Employment tribunal proceedings can be time consuming, costly, and disruptive for any business. Whether you are responding to a claim for unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, whistleblowing or wage disputes, having expert legal support is essential.
We provide employers with strategic, pragmatic and cost effective advice throughout the entire tribunal process, ensuring your business is fully protected and prepared.
Understanding employment tribunal claims
Employees may bring a wide range of claims against an employer, including:
- Unfair dismissal
- Constructive dismissal
- Discrimination (race, sex, disability, age, religion, pregnancy/maternity, etc.)
- Harassment and victimisation
- Redundancy pay and selection disputes
- Unauthorised deductions from wages
- Whistleblowing detriment or dismissal
- Breach of contract.
Responding effectively from the outset helps reduce financial exposure, protect your reputation, and puts you in the strongest possible position.
Our employment tribunal services for employers
Defence strategy and case assessment
We analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the claim and provide a clear roadmap for defending the case, helping you understand the risks and likely outcomes.
Drafting and responding to ET1 Claims
We prepare detailed, persuasive ET3 and responses that set out your defence clearly and professionally, giving you the strongest possible starting position.
Case management and evidence preparation
We assist with:
- Disclosure of documents
- Bundles and legal submissions
- Witness statements
- Identifying gaps in evidence
- Preparing managers and HR teams for hearings.
Our aim is always to present your case robustly and efficiently.
Representation at hearings
Our specialist employment lawyers represent employers at case management and preliminary hearings, ensuring your position is put forward clearly, logically and persuasively. For final hearings or more complex preliminary hearings, it is more cost effective for us to appoint a Barrister/Counsel to represent you.
Settlement and negotiation
Where appropriate, we provide strategic advice on settlement options, including negotiation, mediation and ACAS conciliation, to help resolve claims cost‑effectively.
The importance of early legal advice
Early legal advice can be essential in:
- Assessing the merits of the claim
- Understanding the financial and reputational risks
- Preparing a persuasive defence
- Preserving key evidence and witness statements
- Complying with Tribunal deadlines
- Identifying opportunities for early settlement where appropriate.
We help employers take control of the process, avoid procedural mistakes, and make commercially sound decisions.
Common tribunal risks for employers
Employers may face increased risk if:
- Policies and procedures are outdated or inconsistently applied
- Investigations are incomplete or poorly documented
- Dismissal decisions lack reasonable justification
- Evidence has not been preserved correctly
- Witnesses are not prepared
- ACAS early conciliation requirements are not followed.
We help you avoid these pitfalls and strengthen your defence at every stage.
FAQs: Employment tribunals
Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions that our Employment are asked with regard to employment tribunals.What should I do if I receive an ET1 claim form?
Can I settle a tribunal claim before the hearing?
How long do Employment Tribunal proceedings take?
Do I need legal representation at the tribunal?
What costs might an employer face at tribunal?
What happens if my business loses the case?
How can I strengthen my defence to a Tribunal claim?
What are the most common mistakes employers make?
Are hearings held in person or remotely?
How can I reduce the risk of future tribunal claims?
How employers can prevent future tribunal claims
Find out more about the team
