Employment Tribunals - defending

[southendpier]

Anyone ever defended themselves i.e. no lawyer, against what they believe to be a vexatious ET claim?

Experiances, thoughts?

Edited by southendpier on Tuesday 5th July 12:46

[DSM2]

southendpier said:

Anyone ever defended themselves i.e. no lawyer, against what they believe to be a vexatious ET claim?

Experiances, thoughts?

Edited by southendpier on Tuesday 5th July 12:46

Yes. 3 times over several years. In each case the IT 'judged' that the claimant had a point and the respondent had a point and found some middle ground that gave the claimant a few quid but not enough to worry the respondent.

Remember that IT doesn't deal in facts but probabilities so they will get a general view and then try to please both sides.

Take the case last year with the teaching help fired by a headmistress in Suffolk (IIRC). IT gave a decision of UD and awarded £100. Claimant on TV claiming victory. Really?

Just remember the whole IT system, admin and all, is riddled with inefficiency and inconsistency and they will start off biased towards the claimant. Don't expect true justice.

[daveparry]

Me too 3 times and won each time, unfortunately you only get what you are owed, No compensation is added! As long as you are truthfull and have some evidence then it will go your way in most cases! Good luck.

[southendpier]

I mean defended yourself against a claim from an employee? How tough is it legally?

[daveparry]

Thats a new one on me....a company taking an employee to a tribunal?

Edited after I read the thread again No i have no experience of being an employer taking an employee to tribunal!

[insurance_jon]

I've just won one after a 15m battle, but with a legal team, but my insurance paid for it. Ironically I didn't realise I had the cover.

Drop me a line with your phone number on and I'll talk you through where you might be insured without realising it.