Not Sure How the Employment Tribunal System Works? We Can Help!

Most UK workers don’t understand the employment tribunal system. That’s according to a recent study, which shed light on the current state of public knowledge regarding employment tribunal claims. Given that this system is vital in ensuring equitable working environments, and strict time limits apply for using the employment tribunal process, these findings are alarming.

The employment tribunal plays a crucial role in protecting workers from unfair dismissal, discrimination, and other forms of workplace injustice. Yet for many, it remains a confusing process; one that can discourage people from securing the justice they deserve.

In this article, we examine the study’s discoveries in more detail, comparing them to the notable increase in tribunal claims. We set out various guides we’ve published to help direct individuals to the information they need to get help.

If you believe your employment rights have been breached and want expert legal help, Redmans Solicitors is here to assist. As specialists in the employment sector, our team can analyse your case, provide the answers you’re looking for, and discuss your possible next steps.

To begin your journey with us today, simply:

• Give us a call on 020 3397 3603
• Complete our online form to request a callback

Most UK Workers Don’t Understand the Employment Tribunal System

A recent report by Valla, which surveyed 2,000 UK workers, found that 90% don’t have a clear grasp of how the employment tribunal system works. This number extended to 95% when discussing how many didn’t know of the three-month time limit to bring most claims. Potentially the most alarming, though, was that a staggering 38% of 18-24-year-olds claimed to have never heard of the employment tribunal at all.

These figures are worrying on two fronts. Firstly, if workers aren’t familiar with the employment tribunal procedure rules, they’re likely to have gaps in their understanding of their own legal rights. And even if they do understand their rights, enforcing them still remains a barrier. This lack of knowledge can leave workers accepting unfair treatment without realising it’s unlawful, or let unscrupulous employers act with impunity.

Rising Tribunal Cases Despite the Knowledge Gap

Interestingly, despite the public appearing to lack a clear understanding of the employment tribunal system, case numbers have risen. Official tribunal statistics, published in June 2025, reported a 23% increase in the number of single employment tribunal claims compared to the year before. With more claims being submitted than resolved during this period, the open caseload has also grown by 32%.

Several factors may have contributed to this increase. These include the current publicity surrounding the Employment Rights Bill, which has raised awareness of workplace rights, and the potential rise in disputes linked to changes in working arrangements following Covid, such as flexible or remote working.

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Whatever the reason, though, this rise doesn’t offset the knowledge gaps highlighted above. Valla estimates that roughly 12.4 million labour violations occur each year, yet only around 600,000 people contact Acas. This leaves a substantial number of violations unaddressed, further underscoring the importance of workers understanding their rights and the processes available to secure justice.

Guides to Help You Understand and Navigate Employment Tribunals

Understanding workplace rights and the employment tribunal system that governs them is crucial to preventing mistreatment. Below are several guides that cover key aspects of UK employment law, ensuring individuals are well-informed to make the right decisions for themselves.

Understanding Your Employment Rights at Work

From holiday pay to sick leave, paternity entitlements and protection against discrimination, this guide provides a thorough overview of statutory employment rights in the UK. It offers insights about trade unions, workplace health and safety, references, and whether employers can monitor their staff. 

Our guide also explains how these rights interact with employment contracts, and when individuals may be entitled to take legal action. Regardless of one’s current state of knowledge, this is an essential starting point for understanding workplace entitlements before considering a claim in an employment tribunal. 

Read our full employment rights guide

Acas Early Conciliation: What You Need to Know 

The employment tribunal’s service typically only allows claims to be brought once Acas early conciliation has been initiated. This free process enables individuals to obtain independent advice and potentially resolve their matter before more formal action is required. In this guide, we outline the purpose of this process and answer some common questions, such as how it’s initiated and how long it generally takes.

Read more about the Acas Early Conciliation Process

Bringing Employment Tribunal Claims

Where individuals have tried all other measures to resolve their dispute but have been unsuccessful, a claim may be required. The employment tribunal follows a specific process for bringing a claim, and this guide outlines all the elements involved. This includes the evidence that should be gathered to support one’s case, the strict employment tribunal time limits and eligibility criteria, and the potential outcome if the case is successful.

Read our guide on bringing employment tribunal claims 

The Employment Tribunal System: Taking the Next Steps

Understanding one’s rights and the tribunal process is the first step towards ensuring a fair workplace is upheld. If an individual believes they’ve been unfairly treated, dismissed or discriminated against, using the guides above will help provide clarity concerning UK employment law and the steps to obtain a remedy.

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While individual representation is possible at an employment tribunal, expert legal guidance is generally recommended. Specialists in the sector can provide tailored advice, help gather evidence, and assist during settlement negotiations or tribunal proceedings. In turn, this can significantly improve the chances of obtaining optimal resolutions, settlements or employment tribunal decisions.

Here at Redmans Solicitors, we pride ourselves on listening first and acting quickly. Our team of employment specialists are here to help. Following a brief consultation, we will assess your situation, answer your questions and provide expert advice. Should you be eligible to bring a claim, we can also help you through each stage of the process.

Learn more about how we can help you now by:

• Calling us directly on 020 3397 3603
• Requesting a callback via our online form