Employment Tribunals

Employment Tribunals

Employment Tribunal Defence for Employers: From ET1 to COT3:

Expert Legal Support that puts your business first

If you’ve received an ET1 claim form — or have been contacted by ACAS about a former employee's intention to bring a claim — it can feel overwhelming. At HR Matters, we provide expert employment law support to help you defend your business from start to finish, without being tied into expensive, long-term contracts.

At HR Matters, we support UK employers through the entire tribunal process:

Handle ACAS Early Conciliation before a formal claim is issued
Review your ET1 claim if it proceeds
Respond with a strong, professional ET3 defence
Negotiate COT3 settlements where possible
Prepare evidence, witness statements, and tribunal bundles
Arrange legal representation for final hearings if needed

We offer straight-talking legal support, not scripts or scare tactics — and we’ll always explain your risks, options, and costs clearly.

Why HR Matters?

Fast, reliable legal advice from real people
Practical support from ACAS stage to final hearing
No pushy upselling, no scripts — just honest advice
No long contracts — just great service, when you need it
Transparent pricing with fixed-fee options available
Don’t get talked into a lengthy service contract with a big provider when you don’t have to — our flexible, on-demand support works for your business

Need Tribunal Support?

Don’t face a claim alone.

Whether you're at the early stages or have a hearing date set, we’re here to help you protect your business with confidence.

legal-team@hr-m.co.uk
01733 667030

Your first consultation is free and confidential.

Step 1: ACAS Early Conciliation

Before most employment tribunal claims are issued, the claimant must notify ACAS and enter Early Conciliation. This is a chance to settle the dispute without it progressing to a formal tribunal.

We support you by:

Reviewing the issue behind the potential claim
Handling all contact and negotiation with ACAS
Exploring a COT3 settlement that protects your business and reputation
Ensuring any agreement is legally sound, fair, and in your interests

Early resolution can save you time, cost, and stress — but if it doesn't settle, we’re ready to defend your position.

Step 2: ET1 Claim Received

If conciliation doesn’t succeed, the claimant may proceed to file an ET1 Claim Form. You’ll be sent a copy, and the clock starts ticking.

We will:

Review the claim in full
Explain the allegations and assess the legal risks
Give you a clear strategy for how to respond
Advise whether to settle or fight — based on facts, not fear

You’ll receive honest, straight-talking advice you can rely on.

Step 3: Responding to the Claim (ET3)

As the employer, you must submit an ET3 Response within 28 days.

We take care of this by:

Drafting a detailed defence to the claim
Ensuring your version of events is clearly and legally presented
Including supporting documents where needed
Managing submission deadlines and correspondence with the tribunal

A strong defence at this stage can often lead to early settlement or withdrawal.

Step 4: Preparing for Hearing

If the case proceeds, we support you through the preparation phase:

Drafting witness statements and advising your team
Preparing the trial bundle (documents and evidence)
Handling all tribunal communications and procedural requirements
Keeping you informed, prepared, and in control at all times

We act like your in-house legal team — without the cost or commitment.

Step 5: Settlement or Final Hearing

Most cases settle before reaching a final hearing. If that becomes an option, we:

Handle direct negotiation or use ACAS to formalise a COT3 settlement
Draft legally binding terms that protect your position
Minimise disruption and cost wherever possible

If a hearing is unavoidable, we arrange experienced representation:

A qualified solicitor or barrister will represent you
We ensure you're fully prepped and supported on the day
We remain your point of contact throughout

Need Tribunal Support?

Don’t face a claim alone.

Whether you're at the early stages or have a hearing date set, we’re here to help you protect your business with confidence.

legal-team@hr-m.co.uk
01733 667030

Your first consultation is free and confidential.