Employment Tribunal Leaving Card: A Guide to Your Rights

Introduction

Leaving your employment can be a stressful time, and it's important to know your rights. If you have been dismissed from your job and believe you have been treated unfairly, you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal. This leaving card provides a basic overview of your rights and how to make a claim.

What is an Employment Tribunal?

An employment tribunal is an independent body that resolves disputes between employers and employees. Tribunals can hear cases involving a wide range of employment-related issues, including:

• Unfair dismissal
• Discrimination
• Breach of contract
• Equal pay
• Redundancy

Who Can Make a Claim?

To make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. You must:

• Be an employee or former employee
• Have been dismissed from your job within the last three months
• Have a grievance against your employer

How to Make a Claim

To make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must submit an online claim form within three months of your dismissal. The form can be found on the government website.

What Happens Next?

Once you have submitted your claim, the tribunal will send you a notice of hearing. The hearing will be held in a public court and will be presided over by a judge or panel of judges.

What to Expect at the Hearing

At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and call witnesses. Your employer will also have the opportunity to present their case and call witnesses. The tribunal will then make a decision on whether or not your claim is successful.

What if I Win?

If you win your case, the tribunal may order your employer to:

• Reinstate you in your job
• Pay you compensation for lost earnings
• Pay you damages for any discrimination or harassment you have suffered

What if I Lose?

If you lose your case, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Employment Appeal Tribunal. However, appeals are only allowed in very limited circumstances.

Tips for Making a Claim

Here are some tips for making a claim to an employment tribunal:

• Keep a record of all communications with your employer, including emails, letters, and text messages.
• Get witness statements from anyone who can support your case.
• Be prepared to present your case clearly and concisely at the hearing.
• Be aware that the process can be time-consuming and stressful.

Why Making a Claim Matters

Making a claim to an employment tribunal can be a daunting prospect, but it's important to remember that you have rights. If you have been treated unfairly by your employer, you should not hesitate to make a claim.

Benefits of Making a Claim

Making a claim to an employment tribunal can have a number of benefits, including:

• Getting justice for yourself
• Setting a precedent for other employees
• Sending a message to employers that unfair treatment will not be tolerated

Case Studies

Here are three case studies of employees who successfully made claims to employment tribunals:

• Case Study 1: An employee was unfairly dismissed after refusing to work overtime. The employee was awarded £12,000 in compensation.
• Case Study 2: An employee was discriminated against because of her age. The employee was awarded £25,000 in compensation.
• Case Study 3: An employee was harassed by her manager. The employee was awarded £15,000 in compensation.

What We Can Learn from These Case Studies

These case studies show that it is possible to win an employment tribunal claim. If you have been treated unfairly by your employer, you should not hesitate to make a claim.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Government website on employment tribunals
• ACAS website on employment tribunals
• Citizens Advice website on employment tribunals

Conclusion

Making a claim to an employment tribunal can be a daunting prospect, but it's important to remember that you have rights. If you have been treated unfairly by your employer, you should not hesitate to make a claim.