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:
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Handle ACAS Early Conciliation before a formal claim is issued
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Review your ET1 claim if it proceeds
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Respond with a strong, professional ET3 defence
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Negotiate COT3 settlements where possible
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Prepare evidence, witness statements, and tribunal bundles
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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?
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Fast, reliable legal advice from real people
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Practical support from ACAS stage to final hearing
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No pushy upselling, no scripts — just honest advice
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No long contracts — just great service, when you need it
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Transparent pricing with fixed-fee options available
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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:
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Reviewing the issue behind the potential claim
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Handling all contact and negotiation with ACAS
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Exploring a COT3 settlement that protects your business and reputation
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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:
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Review the claim in full
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Explain the allegations and assess the legal risks
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Give you a clear strategy for how to respond
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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:
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Drafting a detailed defence to the claim
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Ensuring your version of events is clearly and legally presented
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Including supporting documents where needed
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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:
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Drafting witness statements and advising your team
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Preparing the trial bundle (documents and evidence)
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Handling all tribunal communications and procedural requirements
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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:
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Handle direct negotiation or use ACAS to formalise a COT3 settlement
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Draft legally binding terms that protect your position
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Minimise disruption and cost wherever possible
If a hearing is unavoidable, we arrange experienced representation:
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A qualified solicitor or barrister will represent you
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We ensure you're fully prepped and supported on the day
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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.