Employment Tribunals and Disputes
When workplace disputes cannot be resolved, taking further action may be necessary. Understanding your options and seeking advice early can make a significant difference.
When a Workplace Dispute Remains Unresolved
Not every employment dispute can be settled through conversations with management or internal workplace procedures.
Disagreements over unpaid wages, dismissal, discrimination or other employment matters can sometimes reach a point where formal legal action becomes necessary.
For workers unfamiliar with the legal system, the prospect of pursuing a claim can feel overwhelming.
Knowing that an employment tribunal may be an option is important, but deciding whether to pursue a case requires careful consideration.
What Employment Tribunals Do
Employment tribunals are independent judicial bodies that determine certain disputes between workers and employers.
They can consider claims involving matters such as unfair dismissal, unlawful deductions from wages and discrimination, provided the relevant legal requirements are met.
However, not every workplace disagreement gives rise to a tribunal claim, and the available remedies depend on the circumstances.
Although the Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced changes that will be implemented gradually, workers should not assume that existing legal requirements or deadlines no longer apply.
Watch our videos about the Employment Rights Act 2025:
English version: video
Versión en español: video
Why Timing and Preparation Matter
Employment tribunal claims are subject to strict time limits, and missing a deadline can seriously affect someone's ability to pursue a case.
Before many claims can proceed, workers must also engage with the Acas early conciliation process, subject to applicable exceptions.
Relevant documents, communications and other evidence may become important when assessing a dispute.
The legal process can be demanding, particularly when an employer disputes the facts or challenges the worker's account.
From Workplace Dispute to Legal Action
An employment tribunal is not always the first or most appropriate response to a workplace problem.
CAIWU's casework approach involves considering the circumstances of a dispute, the available options and whether formal proceedings may be appropriate, subject to membership conditions.
Where legal action is necessary, proper preparation and an understanding of the issues involved can help workers make informed decisions.
The objective is not simply to begin proceedings, but to pursue an appropriate resolution based on the merits of the case.
Access to justice should not depend on how much power or money an employer has.