Employment Tribunals

**Matt D** · 23-02-2005, 22:31

Has anyone ever been involved in an Employment Tribunal in any way?

What's it like? How does it work?

**Russ** · 23-02-2005, 22:39

Ask Frank

ian@huth · 23-02-2005, 22:43

Have a look at http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/the_hearing.asp

**Matt D** · 23-02-2005, 22:57

Cheers

Chris W · 24-02-2005, 00:28

I haven't... but i study employment law so if you need more info let me know

Escapee · 24-02-2005, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Has anyone ever been involved in an Employment Tribunal in any way?

What's it like? How does it work?

I was involved in a couple of disciplinary procedure meetings last year, not for myself but as an independant witness.

The guy got to keep his job even though he should of been sacked!

All because the company didn't follow th correct procedures, so it's worth checking everything is done to the letter.

**Matt D** · 24-02-2005, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escapee

I was involved in a couple of disciplinary procedure meetings last year, not for myself but as an independant witness.

The guy got to keep his job even though he should of been sacked!

All because the company didn't follow th correct procedures, so it's worth checking everything is done to the letter.

Luckily, the (possible) Tribunal wouldn't be for me. If it happens (& I assume it will), I'm likely to be involved as a witness.

paulyoung666 · 24-02-2005, 19:43

dont try and cover up for someone whatever you do

, is there a chance that a union rep could be involved ???? , worth finding out if it is possible

**Matt D** · 24-02-2005, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

dont try and cover up for someone whatever you do

, is there a chance that a union rep could be involved ???? , worth finding out if it is possible

I wouldn't cover anything up. If I get asked to be a witness (& I don't see why I wouldn't), I'm gonna say exactly what I saw & heard.

We don't have a union rep (or a union).

24-02-2005, 19:52

I've not been to a tribunal, but I have last week received a disciplinary warning.
Basically I was fubarred over misuse of email. I went from no discplinary record straight to final written warning. I am appealing.
As I they interpretted the email in a way it wasnt meant.

Basically, you have to check the employment law, against what the company regs say, above all the company can say what it wants, but if it doesnt coincide with employment law they cant do FA.

My advice is to say what you saw or heard, keep it simple, dont try and hide anything because that way they cant trip you up as a witness. Remain calm, they arent all that bad. Dont try and make the company look bad and the employee look good, or vice verse.

ian@huth · 24-02-2005, 21:44

A full employment tribunal is very similar to a magistrates court with a bench consisting of a chairman and two lay members. It is not unusual for cases to be heard with both sides represented by barristers. Witnesses give evidence on oath. Quite often the two sides agree to a settlement just before the start of the hearing which can last a couple of days. Large companies in particular go to great lengths and expense to defend their case but they don't always win. You can attend employment tribunals as a member of the public if you want to find out what goes on before the hearing of one that you are involved in.