Experience of attending an Empoyment Tribunal

spring_chicken

Well next month (after almost two years of waiting) my husband will be having his tribunal hearing for unfair dismissal. We have to go on three consecutive days as my husband has provided a lot of evidence to prove he was set up on the night in question, and we will be accompanied by a Barrister. Does anyone know what the format is likely to be? is it a case of turning up in the morning then hanging around for his case to be called, or the fact that three days have been scheduled will we be likely to be in court all day long?

It would just be useful to know in advance so that we can prepare for the hearing.

Thanks

Jarndyce

spring_chicken wrote: »

Well next month (after almost two years of waiting) my husband will be having his tribunal hearing for unfair dismissal. We have to go on three consecutive days as my husband has provided a lot of evidence to prove he was set up on the night in question, and we will be accompanied by a Barrister. Does anyone know what the format is likely to be? is it a case of turning up in the morning then hanging around for his case to be called, or the fact that three days have been scheduled will we be likely to be in court all day long?

It would just be useful to know in advance so that we can prepare for the hearing.

Thanks

It will probably start on time at 10am, but can be delayed for all sorts of reasons. You've just got to go with the flow I'm afraid. Your barrister will guide you through it and do all the work.

amazingcookie

spring_chicken wrote: »

Well next month (after almost two years of waiting) my husband will be having his tribunal hearing for unfair dismissal. We have to go on three consecutive days as my husband has provided a lot of evidence to prove he was set up on the night in question, and we will be accompanied by a Barrister. Does anyone know what the format is likely to be? is it a case of turning up in the morning then hanging around for his case to be called, or the fact that three days have been scheduled will we be likely to be in court all day long?

It would just be useful to know in advance so that we can prepare for the hearing.

Thanks

Does do you know it's unfair dismissal? How do you know the employer set him up for a dismissal? What evidence? You obviously believe what your husband told you but is he really telling the truth? :A

nightingalesgarden

Yes, if the court is for three days then it is likely that you will be in court for much of time.

There is a waiting room for you to use but is it is busy and full of other claimants and barristers. On a busy day there are often no chairs left free! I would check out the closest coffee shop before hand as often these are a distance away!

You get an hour for lunch but that is often eaten into with taking to your brief. Do go outside and take a walk when you get breaks.

Day Three may have been put aside for the panel to make a decision as they are pretty busy at the moment.

If you are nervous you can always go beforehand and see a case. The courts are open to the public - just ask the clerk on the front desk.

Oh, and everyone that I've ever met who work in the courts have been friendly and helpful (maybe I've just been lucky). Don't be afraid to ask them a question if your barrister is on the phone/away and you need to know something - I know I always get anxious about missing getting called back in - but the clerks are great at herding people about!

spring_chicken

amazingcookie wrote: »

Does do you know it's unfair dismissal? How do you know the employer set him up for a dismissal? What evidence? You obviously believe what your husband told you but is he really telling the truth? :A

yes, I have seen and heard the evidence myself, so he is definitely telling the truth, he has no reason to lie.

Jarndyce

amazingcookie wrote: »

Does do you know it's unfair dismissal? How do you know the employer set him up for a dismissal? What evidence? You obviously believe what your husband told you but is he really telling the truth? :A

Why would you ask that? The OP came on here asking for reassurance about the court procedure, not for ill-informed questions about the merits of their case. They have a barrister who is apparently not advising them to settle or withdraw the claim, so on that basis they must believe it has merit, so why should you question it? Go and cause your mischief somewhere else.

bobthedambuilder

As others have said, the case will appear before a panel, and it shouldn't be as formal as a court proceedings. The panel will hear the evidence, along with any statements by the legal representive(s), and can question any witnesses who have been called to appear, including obviously your OH. The panel will deliberate away from the hearing and will usually come to a decision there and then.

Googlewhacker

spring_chicken wrote: »

yes, I have seen and heard the evidence myself, so he is definitely telling the truth, he has no reason to lie.

He has every reason to lie as its gone so far down the process....however he probably isn't

I would expect a late minute offer from the employer to settle out of court...