Employment Law - A Brief Guide to UK Employment Tribunals
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Overview
The Employment Tribunal is a government organization established in April 2006. The tribunal is a judicial body designed to determine arguments between employees and their employers over rights. Both employees and employers are able to submit claims through the Employment Tribunal.
Making and Responding to Claims
Prior to making a claim, you need to ensure that you have the right to do so. Depending on the nature of your claim, it can go to one of three commissions. The Sexual Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Commission deals with gender and sexual discrimination claims. The Race Discrimination Commission for Racial Equality handles race discrimination claims. And the Disability Discrimination Disability Rights Commission manages the claims of those who say they have been discriminated against because of their physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Before making a claim, it is advisable to seek legal advice. This will provide you with the information and guidance you need to make or respond to a claim accurately and honestly.
Once a claim has been made
Once a claim has been made, you must wait until it gets heard. During this time, the claimant or respondent may wish to gather more information to build their case. The Employment Tribunal strongly recommends that this be done in writing so that it cannot be disputed later when the case is heard.
Your case may not always be heard on the date given, some cases take longer to hear and thus push others back on the docket. If you need more time to gather evidence for your claim, you can ask for a postponement of the hearing.
If after making a claim you have a change of heart, you can withdraw. However all withdrawals must be made in writing, not only to the Employment Tribunal but also to the respondent.
Article provided by Deminos - HR Outsourcing and Employment Law Specialists.
