Employment Tribunals

Expert Employment Tribunal Solicitors for Employees & Employers

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Employment Tribunals at Woodstock Legal Services


If a workplace dispute can’t be resolved by agreement, it may end up at an Employment Tribunal. Bringing or defending a claim involves strict deadlines, formal procedures and detailed evidence, so having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a real difference to the outcome. Woodstock Legal Services represents employees and employers in tribunal proceedings across England and Wales.


Our employment lawyers advise on unfair and constructive dismissal claims, discrimination and harassment claims, whistleblowing claims, unpaid wages and holiday pay, breach of contract claims, ACAS early conciliation, and settlements reached through ACAS or private negotiation.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who gives you an honest assessment of your case from the outset, explains each stage of the process in plain English, and keeps you informed throughout.


Bringing a Tribunal Claim


If you believe you’ve been treated unlawfully at work, a tribunal claim may be the right way to seek a remedy. Before a claim can be made, you’ll usually need to go through ACAS early conciliation. Strict time limits apply throughout.


Our lawyers assess the strength of your claim and guide you through early conciliation. We then prepare and submit your claim form, setting out your case clearly. We help you gather documents and witness evidence, prepare for preliminary and final hearings, and represent you or arrange representation at the hearing.


Throughout the process, we’ll explore opportunities to settle where it’s in your interests, so you can reach the best possible outcome without unnecessary stress.


Defending a Tribunal Claim


For employers, receiving a tribunal claim can be time-consuming and disruptive, and the deadline to respond is short. A strong, well-prepared response is essential to protect your business.


Our employment lawyers review the claim, advise on its merits and your options, and prepare your response to the tribunal. We help you gather documents, prepare witness statements and comply with tribunal orders, and represent you at hearings. We also advise on settlement where a commercial resolution makes sense for your business.


We’ll give you clear, practical advice at every stage, helping you manage the risk and make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Get in Touch With Our Employment Law Team

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Employment Tribunals FAQs

  • Do I need to contact ACAS before making a claim?

    In most cases, yes. Before you can bring an Employment Tribunal claim, you’ll usually need to notify ACAS and go through early conciliation. ACAS will contact both sides to see whether the dispute can be resolved. If it isn’t resolved, you’ll receive a certificate allowing you to submit your claim. Early conciliation also affects the time limits for your claim.

  • How long does an Employment Tribunal claim take?

    Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the tribunal’s workload. Many claims take several months to reach a final hearing, and more complex cases can take longer. Many claims settle before reaching a hearing. We’ll give you a realistic idea of timescales at the outset and keep you updated as your case progresses.

  • What happens at an Employment Tribunal hearing?

    At a hearing, an Employment Judge, sometimes sitting with lay members, hears evidence from both sides. Witnesses give evidence and are questioned, and each side makes its arguments. The tribunal then decides the claim, either on the day or later in writing. We’ll prepare you thoroughly so you know what to expect.

  • Can a claim be settled before the hearing?

    Yes. Many tribunal claims settle before the final hearing, either through ACAS (recorded on a form known as a COT3) or through a settlement agreement. Settling can save time, stress and uncertainty for both sides. We’ll advise on whether an offer is reasonable and negotiate on your behalf.

  • I’m an employer and have received a claim. What should I do?

    Act quickly. Employers usually have a short deadline to file a response, and missing it can result in a judgment against them. Gather relevant documents, such as contracts, policies, correspondence, and meeting notes, and speak with an employment lawyer as soon as possible. We’ll review the claim and help you prepare your response.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our conveyancers manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. That gives your purchase or sale the time, care and attention it deserves, from first call to completion.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Honest, Practical Advice

We give you a realistic view of your position from the outset, including the strengths and risks of your case, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.