Before You Start
The ET1 is completed online at employmenttribunals.service.gov.uk. There is no court fee. Before you start you will need: your ACAS early conciliation certificate reference number, the employer's full legal name and address, your employment start and end dates, and a clear chronological account of the facts you are relying on.
The ET1 defines the scope of your claim. Issues not raised in the ET1 are difficult to add later without permission. Take time to get it right before you submit.
Respondent Details
The respondent is your employer -- the legal entity that employed you, not the individual manager who dismissed you. Use the full legal name: if your employer is a limited company, use the Companies House registered name.
Getting the respondent name wrong is a common and potentially fatal error. A claim against the wrong entity may be struck out or require an amendment. Check your payslips, contract, or Companies House if you are unsure.
Employment Details
Set out your employment dates, your job title, your salary and benefits, your normal working hours, and the notice period in your contract. The tribunal uses this information to calculate the basic award and compensatory award.
If you were dismissed, give the date your employment ended. If you resigned and are claiming constructive dismissal, give the date you resigned.
Type of Claim
Tick every claim type that applies. Do not leave claims out in the belief that you are simplifying the case. Common errors include: failing to tick wrongful dismissal where there is also an unfair dismissal claim, failing to tick discrimination where the dismissal may have been discriminatory.
If you are uncertain whether a particular claim type applies, include it with a brief explanation. You can narrow your claim later but adding claims requires permission.
The Facts Section
This is the most important section. Set out a clear, chronological, factual account of what happened. Include: your employment history with this employer, the events leading to your dismissal, the reason given by the employer, any disciplinary or grievance procedure, and why you say the employer's conduct was unlawful.
Write factually. Do not include legal conclusions -- "this was unfair dismissal" -- leave those for your submissions. Do not include irrelevant material. Every sentence should be directed at the legal issues in the claim.
After Submission
The tribunal serves the ET1 on the respondent, who has 28 days to file an ET3 response. Read the ET3 carefully when you receive it -- it defines exactly what case you need to meet.
The tribunal will then issue case management directions setting out the steps both parties must take before the final hearing. Comply with every direction.