Introduction

As an employer there may be instances where you face problems with an employee, a former employee or even someone you interviewed but decided not to recruit. If you can’t sort the matter out between you, there is a risk that they may make a claim to an employment tribunal.

Such claims can usually be avoided by having proper disciplinary and grievance procedures to deal with problems fairly and consistently. You should also ensure that there are clear pay systems and statements and try to maintain good communication with your staff.

If you are in a situation where someone could make an employment tribunal claim against you but hasn’t submitted a claim yet, an Acas conciliator may be able to help you reach an agreement with the other party without starting the tribunal process at all.

This guide sets out how employment tribunal claims work, looks at alternative methods of resolving workplace disputes and examines the role of Acas, the employment relations experts, in resolving disputes.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What happens after an employment tribunal receives a claim
• Alternative ways of resolving employment disputes
• Acas conciliation
• Preparing for a tribunal case
• Tribunal procedure - hearings before/after the main hearing
• Tribunal procedure - the main hearing
• Possible outcomes from tribunal cases
• Challenging a tribunal judgement