• Employment tribunal advice for employers can help businesses navigate the robust HR practices, compliance with employment law, and detailed records required for a strong case. When an ET1 claim is received, it is essential to carefully review the allegations and seek legal advice where appropriate. A well-prepared ET3 response should then be submitted within the 28 day deadline.

    Receiving expert employment tribunal advice during this process can be absolutely crucial to you receiving a favourable outcome. For an informal conversation about your situation, get in touch today to speak with our knowledgeable employment team.

    How We Help Employers at an Employment Tribunal

    Employment tribunal claims may arise when a grievance, disciplinary action, or unfair pay allegation fails to be resolved through informal dialogue or formal intervention. In such cases, to avoid intensifying the dispute, it’s essential for employers and HR professionals to follow the correct procedures that are clearly set out by ACAS.

    If you are facing an employment tribunal, appointing a legal advisor is a sensible safeguard to ensure you manage the claim process effectively. As experienced employment tribunal solicitors, our role is to provide expert legal advice to employers and organisations regarding the best approaches and strategies to minimise your business and reputational risk by using efficient and responsive support and guidance.

    Employers We Can Help

    We have a wealth of experience supporting business owners, HR professionals, directors, partners, and senior managers with employment disputes. This experience stretches across a wide variety of sectors including retail, hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, and healthcare.

    Whether you’re running a small business or leading a larger organisation, we are committed to providing tailored employment law advice that consistently meets your industry’s unique challenges and demands.

    Defending Employment Tribunal Claims

    Conciliation

    ACAS will inform you if an employee or ex-employee makes a claim against you. At this stage, ACAS offers to try to resolve the conflict through conciliation. If this is unsuccessful, the claim will continue to the Employment Tribunal.

    Employment Tribunal Process

    The Employment Tribunal provides an independent hearing for the claim – it is similar to a court process but less complex. ACAS will send the employer a response pack to which the employer must respond within 28 days. If you do not respond in time, the tribunal may decide against you, without the hearing.

    Compensation or Settlement

    You may decide to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant, also known as a settlement agreement.

    Employment Tribunal Hearing

    There may be a preliminary hearing where all parties speak to the judge to decide on the hearing date and how long it might take. You will then receive a letter giving you at least 14 days’ notice before the hearing. In this time, you must prepare documents including pay slips, employment contracts, pension scheme details, and notes from meetings and arrange for witnesses to attend.

    You can ask the employee for documents that might help you to defend the case; they can also request documents from you, as their employer.

    Defending a Claim

    If the employee making the claim is deemed to have acted unreasonably, you may request an award for costs by the tribunal.

    Loss Implications

    Depending on the nature of the claim, an unsuccessful claim that is upheld may require you to do a number of things, including the following:

    • Give the claimant their job back
    • Pay compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back
    • Pay witness expenses
    • Pay damages or loss of earnings
    • Pay compensation

    Employment tribunal help

    An employment tribunal solicitor advises and supports HR professionals and business owners in dealing with disputes at work with help defending an employment tribunal claim. We advise on procedures for responding to grievances, including discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal claims and can prepare you for and represent you at Employment Tribunals.

    For an informal conversation about your needs telephone 01903 863284 or use the contact form to detail your requirements.


    Legal Costs of an Employment Tribunal

    Claim Form

    Completion and filing of a claim form outlining your case and the nature of your dispute.

    £1,300 + VAT

    Fact Sheet

    Completion and filing of a document that sets out the factual detail of your claim and the legal basis for it.

    £1,300 – £1,600 + VAT

    Response Form

    Completion and filing of a response form when a claim has been made against you.

    £1,500 – £2,000+ VAT

    Case Management Hearing

    Attending a telephone Case Management Hearing (CMH) on your behalf.

    £1,500 – £2,000+ VAT

    Preliminary Tribunal Hearing

    Attending a preliminary hearing on your behalf at the tribunal.

    £2,500 – £3,100 + VAT

    Claimant Disclosure

    Handling disclosure on behalf of a claimant.

    £1,300 – £1,700 + VAT

    Respondent Disclosure

    Handling disclosure on behalf of a respondent.

    £1,600 – £2,100+ VAT

    Witness Statements

    Drafting and filing an initial witness statement.

    £1,600 – £1,900 + VAT

    Drafting any extra witness statements.

    £1,300 – £1,500 + VAT per statement

    Employment Tribunal Hearing

    Attending an employment tribunal hearing on your behalf.

    £320 + VAT per hour

    Areas We Cover

    At 365 Employment Law, we provide comprehensive employment law services to businesses in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chichester, and Brighton. Our team of experienced employment lawyers is committed to ensuring all our clients receive legal advice and representation tailored to their specific needs.

    Why Choose 365 Employment Law?

    Our trusted team of employment tribunal specialists provide expert, tailored guidance and support to businesses facing an employment dispute. Our role is to advise businesses on the best course of action and devise strategies to minimise your business and reputational risk throughout the employment tribunal procedure.

    We understand how stressful and disruptive the employment tribunal process can be. To help you feel confident and assured in the run up to your hearing, 365 Employment Law works with you every step of the way to provide you with calm, practical support that is tailored to your exact needs and circumstances.

    What truly sets 365 Employment Law apart is our commitment to client satisfaction. As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on being responsive, approachable, and consistently reliable, and our clients value our ability to translate complex legal issues into straightforward advice. In fact, many of our clients continue to work with us as their go-to employment law advisers.

    We have a wealth of experience advising employers across Sussex in all aspects of employment law. We support employers in a range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters based out of our office in Worthing, West Sussex. Get in touch with our friendly team today for an informal conversation about your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is an employment tribunal?

    An employment tribunal is a legal forum where disputes between employers and employees are resolved. These can include claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, breach of contract, and more.

    What is an ET1 form?

    The ET1 form is the official claim form submitted by an employee or ex-employee to start an employment tribunal case.

    On receiving this form, you should seek legal advice immediately. You have only 28 days to respond with an ET3 form, so early legal advice is critical for building a strong defence and avoiding procedural mistakes.

    What is an ET3 response form?

    The ET3 is the employer’s formal response to an ET1 claim. It outlines your defence and must be submitted within 28 days of receiving the claim.

    Can I settle a tribunal claim before the hearing?

    Yes. You can settle a claim at any time by offering compensation through a settlement agreement, which may help avoid the time and cost of a tribunal hearing.

    Can I recover legal costs if I win?

    Employment tribunals rarely award legal costs, but it is possible if the claimant acted unreasonably or brought a frivolous claim.

    Do you represent clients at the employment tribunal hearing?

    Yes, we attend tribunal hearings on behalf of employers and can manage every aspect of the case, from early conciliation to final judgment.

    Why should I choose 365 Employment Law to represent me?

    We offer tailored, practical legal advice with a strong track record of success. We are renowned for our responsiveness, clarity, and ability to handle sensitive cases discreetly.