What is an employment tribunal?

An employment/industrial tribunal is a a body of people, usually consisting of a legally qualified chairman and two other independent individuals, who settle disputes between employers and their employees. Disputes could arise as a result of things like maternity rights, equal pay and unfair dismissal.

A tribunal is not able to enforce any awards it makes - that has to be done separately through a court. People can represent themselves or anyone else and there is no legal aid although trade unions will often pay for one of it's members expenses.

If a tribunal finds in favour of the employee, they may decide to award someone compensation to make up for loss of earnings - net pay, overtime payments, bonuses etc. - or reinstate the individual to their original job or a different job in the company.

The negative aspects of a tribunal are that it is very emotional and distressing for people involved and it is likely that personal information may become public which could seriously affect the employees relationship with their former employer.