Employment Tribunals In London

By Author: John Wajas
Total Articles: 5
Comment this article

Employment tribunals deal with disputes between employers and employees. They handle a variety of claims relating to employment, including redundancy payments, discrimination, unfair dismissal and wages. Employment tribunals in London and other parts of the UK are run in a less formal way to courts, with no official uniforms, wigs or gowns. As in normal courts, though, witnesses are called and cross examined, evidence is presented and a judicial determination, or final decision, made at the end of the case. Most hearings are open and the public are allowed to attend. Employment tribunals are independent bodies that are not allowed to give legal advice, although they receive administrative support from HM Courts and Tribunal Service, which is part of the Ministry of Justice.

There are three Employment Tribunals in London: London Central, London East and London South in West Croydon. Edinburgh, Cardiff and most large UK cities have their own tribunals, with some smaller cities having Temporary Hearing Centres based in Magistrate’s Courts. The Employment Tribunal dealing with a case depends on the postcode where employment ...
... in the dispute was based, for instance, Employment Tribunals in London would not deal with a London resident if they worked in Manchester; they would need to put their case to a Manchester Employment Tribunal even though they did not live there.

There are three different types of Employment Tribunal hearings: case management discussions, pre-hearing reviews and final hearings. An alternative means of resolving disputes is judicial mediation, or Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Case management discussions are held in private to clarify issues including the time and length of full hearings, witnesses, documents and any orders that need to be made. These discussions can be made over the phone or in person before an Employment Judge, as can pre-hearing reviews. These reviews decide if cases are weak and need a deposit, if claims or responses should be struck out or if any questions of entitlement arise. Evidence and witnesses may be called at pre-hearing reviews. The only hearing that comes before a full tribunal, consisting of an Employment Judge plus two non-legal members, is a final hearing. This decides on the success or failure of the claim, and agrees an appropriate remedy. Occasionally judgement will be reserved if the case is complicated or the tribunal runs out of time on the day of the hearing. Reserved judgement is sent in writing at a later date. For more information visit http://natemplaw.co.uk/employment-tribunals-london/