An employment tribunal takes place in a courtroom where disputes between employees and employers are resolved. Some cases will be heard by an employment judge, who specialises in this kind of work. In other cases, a panel will hear the case.
The employment tribunal will have a hearing. You will be called to give evidence and answer questions about your situation. The employer will also call witnesses to help with the decision-making process. The employer’s representative will question you and the witnesses, which you must answer truthfully. At the tribunal, a decision will be made and then put in writing. This decision will be final, so you should follow up on it immediately.
The tribunal room has different sections, with different people sitting on the various tables. The parties or their representatives will sit at these tables, and there will also be chairs for the press or public. A single employment judge will conduct the hearing, and there will be a panel of three people, called the employment tribunal. However, if your case is straightforward, you will have only one person representing you.
When you attend the hearing, the tribunal will ask you to share the paperwork with your employer’s representative. This paperwork is important, and should be prepared for any last-minute negotiations. Even if you don’t have a legal representative, it is worth preparing for these situations. As you can see, an employment tribunal hearing can be stressful so it’s helpful to find legal representation that you’re comfortable with. For advice from Ascot solicitors, contact a company like www.parachutelaw.co.uk/
The employment tribunal is a public forum, and other people may be present during a hearing. It’s important to keep your cool during the proceedings. Remember that you should be quiet and respectful but you will have your opportunity to present your side of the argument. The tribunals are used to dealing with members of the public who might have no legal representation with them.
Commonly, as you wait to be called into the tribunal, the employer’s representative might come to you with settlement terms. If you have legal representation, they can handle these conversations on your behalf. For those who don’t have representation, this can be a difficult experience and it helps to be prepared for this eventuality so that it doesn’t catch you off guard on the day.
Try to consider what terms you would accept if you were to be offered a settlement at this stage. Do not be coerced into agreeing to anything that you’re not happy with, such as if the employer wants you to drop the case or settle unfavourably. Should you decide to accept the terms, the tribunal will often offer to record the details of the settlement for you so that you can have a public record of what has been agreed.
