Representing yourself at Employment Tribunal

I represented myself at the Employment Tribunal last year for an unfair dismissal claim. It was a relatively straightforward case as I had a lot of evidence and it was fairly obvious that I was going to win, but they were stubborn and defended it (I think they were hoping I would back down - they put a lot of pressure on).

I'm not going to lie, it was tough! I'm glad I did it, but not sure it was an experience I'd like to repeat.

Jcj1978 wrote: »

Hello
I'm due to go to tribunal in 2 days for indirect sex discrimination (my employer stopped my flexible working agreement along with working from home with no notice) as I couldn't travel into the office they cut my hours to part time. I then resigned as couldn't take the pay cut. So claiming indirect sex discrimination and constructive dismissal (and breach of contract)


I have evidence etc of all this however as the judge has asked for some pretty specific stats that we have struggle dto find my solicitor is now saying he cant represent me at the trial and to go alone. (its no win no fee)


I feel I have a strong case and have evidence but scared off cross examining my ex employer - especially when they have employed some super barrister.


Has anyone else represented themselves - what was the experience like and any tips?


Thank you

The two statements I have highlighted seem to almost contradict each other.

If you have a strong case why has your (no win no fee) solicitor pulled out? Presumably because they feel you will either not win or not win enough for it to be economic? Or is there another reason?

Be very careful about any warnings from the judge about costs. Although they are still fairly rare in ET cases, costs being awarded against claimants is more common that it was, particularly if you ignore any warnings.

Although people can and do successfully represent themselves at ETs, these type of cases are more complex and being up against a "super barrister" (your words) is not going to be easy.

One of the biggest problems with being a litigant in person is being too focused on points that you may (rightly) consider unjust but are not actually unlawful or in the remit of an ET.

Take care.

Crazy_Jamie wrote: »

I'd repeat what Undervalued has said, but the one point I'd make about representing yourself is that your biggest fear, namely being cross examined by a barrister, would happen whether you were representing yourself first or not. As you've claimed constructive dismissal you will likely give evidence first, and be cross examined first. That would happen whether you had your own barrister or not. It's perfectly normal to be worried about that, but it's not something that should necessarily make your experience of representing yourself more onerous.

Rightly or wrongly I got the impression the OP was bothered about having to cross examine his former employer himself, presumably because he feels he won't have the skills of the "super barrister".

I feel I have a strong case and have evidence but scared off cross examining my ex employer

Undervalued wrote: »

Rightly or wrongly I got the impression the OP was bothered about having to cross examine his former employer himself, presumably because he feels he won't have the skills of the "super barrister".

Reading it again, I think you're probably right.