No business wants to face an employment tribunal claim. The tribunal process is lengthy and expensive for employers, naturally making businesses keen to avoid it. However, this blog will explore how tribunals are not as daunting as they may seem, particularly if you have the right guidance. Mistakes or even well-intentioned actions can lead to claims, but you won’t automatically end up before a judge; in fact, there are many steps to take beforehand. Much like a mobile navigation app, ViewHR is here to help you navigate and mitigate common pitfalls, ensuring a smoother journey through employment issues.
Employment tribunals deal with claims brought against employers by employees. Claims can typically relate to unfair and wrongful dismissals, discrimination, equal pay, and unlawful deductions from wages amongst other things. But did you know that most of these issues can be dealt with in-house? In fact, the tribunal system will expect to see employers and employees exhaust all internal processes before making a claim. For instance, during a disciplinary procedure, have you provided the employee with the opportunity to appeal the decision made against them? Again, have you allowed the same right during a grievance process? By allowing these extra steps, not only are you complying with Acas requirements, but also you are mitigating against claims being made against the organisation. At this stage, you might consider involving a mediator, who is impartial and can help mend relationships when there is a disagreement at work.
However, what if you have exhausted all internal processes, what now? In order to raise a tribunal claim employees must contact Acas first to try to resolve the dispute through early conciliation. Early conciliation is when Acas talks to both parties about the dispute. It gives you the chance to come to an agreement without having to go to an employment tribunal. If an agreement is still not reached, Acas will provide a form call ET1, this will allow the employee to make a claim to the employment tribunal. Even at this point and right up until the judgement is made, both parties can still undertake conciliation which may resolve the situation.
Of course, through the entire process, both parties may decide to enter into a settlement agreement.
As you can see, there are a far few steps to take before you sit before a Judge. If you do sit before a Judge, it doesn’t have to be that daunting, if you have the correct team beside you. Our team of experienced employment solicitors is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support throughout the tribunal process. So what support do we provide?
Initial Consultation: Schedule a meeting with one of our experienced employment solicitors to discuss your case in detail. We’ll assess your situation and provide tailored advice on the best course of action.
Case Evaluation: Our team conducts a thorough review of your case, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. This strategic approach aims to maximise your chances of success.
Case Management: We handle the ACAS Early Conciliation and tribunal process, keeping you informed of progress at every step.
Document Preparation: Assistance with preparing all necessary documents ensures that your case is presented in the best possible light.
Representation: Whether by our skilled employment solicitors or trusted barristers, we’ll ensure effective representation during tribunal hearings.
Negotiation: In some instances, negotiation may lead to a favourable resolution without the need for a tribunal hearing. We engage in constructive dialogue with the other party to reach a settlement that meets your needs.
Why Choose ViewHR?
Our team of Employment Solicitors specialises in employment tribunals and boasts a proven track record of success in handling tribunal cases. We understand that every case is unique, which is why we provide personalised attention and support tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Throughout the entire process, you will be kept informed at every stage with clear and transparent communication from our team. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your business, whether that involves winning your case or negotiating a favourable settlement.
Navigating employment tribunals can be daunting, but with the right support, it becomes manageable. No business wants to face a tribunal claim due to the potential expense and time involved, but many steps can resolve issues before reaching this stage, such as internal processes and early conciliation with Acas. If a tribunal claim is inevitable, having an experienced team is crucial. At ViewHR, our employment solicitors offer comprehensive support, from initial consultations and case evaluations to document preparation and representation. Our expertise, personalised service, and transparent communication ensure you are well-prepared and informed, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for your business.
We can support your business with a full range of Employment Tribunal claims, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, equal pay, and more. If you’re facing the ACAS Early Conciliation or Employment Tribunal proceedings now, or if you want to find out more about how we can help you in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact us or click here to find out more.
