What Is the ET1 Form and How to Complete It
Key points
- The ET1 is the first official claim you file to an employment tribunal.
- You must submit it within 28 days of the event that triggered the claim.
- Each part of the form has a specific purpose – personal details, employer details, claim description and desired remedy.
- Attach evidence and keep the language fact‑based and chronological.
- Review, sign electronically and upload with a cleared confirmation number.
If you’re thinking about making an employment tribunal claim, the first word you’ll hear is ‘ET1’ – it’s the main form you need to win the case.
What Is the ET1 Form?
The ET1 form is the official claim form you submit to an employment tribunal when you believe your employer has breached the law. Think of it as the legal ‘starting line’ for your dispute. The form tells the tribunal exactly what you want, why, and what you expect.
In a nutshell, you’ll answer questions about yourself, your employer, the incident, and the remedy you want. A correctly completed ET1 can make the tribunal process smoother and gives you a clearer chance of a favourable outcome. If you miss details – or worse, submit outside the deadline – you risk having your claim rejected.
The following guide walks you through every part of the ET1, how to fill it out, and how to submit it online, so you can start your claim confidently.
Getting Started: Why the ET1 Form Matters
Outline the purpose of the ET1 and the legal deadline to file a claim.
The ET1 form stands for ‘Employment Tribunal Claim Form 1’ – the first official document you file when you want to bring a work‑related complaint to a tribunal. It sets out the facts, shows the tribunal how the claim is organised and, importantly, demonstrates that you are following the correct procedure.
Under the Employment Tribunal Practice and Procedure (Volume 1), you must submit an ET1 within 28 days of the event that led to your claim – for example, a dismissal or discriminatory treatment. The 28‑day clock includes weekends and bank holidays, but does not apply if you have a formal hearing date that is set earlier. If you miss this deadline, the tribunal will usually refuse your claim outright.
The form is also the “passport” for any further steps. Once you submit the ET1, the tribunal will send it to the employer (called the respondent), who then replies with an ET3. From there the process moves towards a hearing or a settlement. So, correct completion of the ET1 is the foundation of your case.
Write the date of the incident on the form and double‑check that you are still within 28 days.
Major Parts of the ET1: What Comes First
Describe the five main sections that structure the ET1.
The ET1 is divided into logical parts, each covering a particular aspect of your claim. You’ll find them numbered 1‑4 on the first page, and then 5‑11 on the back. Understanding their order helps you organise your thoughts before you sit down to fill them in.
1. “Part 1 – Your Information” – a quick snapshot of your personal details.
2. “Part 2 – Employer Information” – where you list the organisation you’re claiming against.
3. “Part 3 – The Claim” – the section that states what law you believe has been broken and what remedy you seek.
4. “Part 4 – Remedy(s) You Want” – you pick the specific compensation or action you want from the tribunal, such as back pay or a written apology.
5. The back‑page covers supporting evidence and acknowledgement of terms and conditions or workplace policies relevant to the claim.
- Part 1: Your Details
- Part 2: Employer Details
- Part 3: Nature of the Claim
- Part 4: Desired Remedy
- Back‑page: Evidence & Acknowledgements
Each section of the form has a question‑by‑question layout that matches the replica provided on the online portal. Following the replica reduces mistakes.
Filling Out Your Personal Information
Explain what needs to be typed into Part 1 and how to handle common pitfalls.
Part 1 is straightforward but crucial: you must provide your correct full name, telephone number, email address, home address and postal address if different. The tribunal originally sends correspondence to the address on the form, so keep it up‑to‑date to avoid missing important letters.
Watch for the small but significant difference between your contract name and how you’re known at work. Some employees use a middle name or nickname in their day‑to‑day life – use the same spelling as those you use in the claim documents. A typo can cause confusion for the tribunal and delay the case.
If you’re applying through an online portal, the fields are interactive. The system will flag any missing required fields, but you still need to be careful with spell‑check – the portal does not auto‑correct names that are unusual or foreign. A single misspelling of a legal surname could potentially invalidate the claim.
After you’ve filled your details, click the “Save & Continue” button and a confirmation screen will appear. Keep the screenshots; you’ll need them if you have to prove that the form was submitted correctly.
If you’re unsure which address you should use, ask the tribunal support line or review any prior tribunal correspondence.
Describing Your Claim Clearly
How to provide facts, dates and the legal basis for the claim.
Part 3 is the heart of the ET1: it tells the tribunal exactly what you allege the employer has done wrong. Begin by deciding the category of claim you’re making—there are five main legal areas: dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, health and safety, and other general claims.
For example, if you’re alleging unlawful dismissal, you must write a concise statement that explains the dismissal event—date, circumstances and the future impact. Avoid using colloquial or emotional language. The tribunal wants evidence; the clearer your narrative, the easier it will be for them to cross‑check with the respondent’s answer in the upcoming ET3.
Reference any statutory code names or acts that pertain to the claim. If you’re claiming a breach of the Equality Act 2010 or the Employment Rights Act 1996, mention those laws. Insert the relevant clause number if you’re confident – e.g., ‘Section 62 of the Equality Act 2010’. A brief citation gives the tribunal an immediate legal framework for the case.
When completing this section, keep three points in mind:
• Facts over emotions – state what happened, not how you feel.
• Dates are critical – write exact dates (day‑month‑year).
• Include supporting evidence – attach documents such as emails, pay slips or witness statements. The tribunal may request them later.
Part 4 follows up by stating the remedy you want. In the example of a dismissal, options include ‘back pay from the effective date of dismissal’ or ‘reinstatement to position’. If you’re not sure which remedy is most realistic, note this in the ‘Notes’ field and ask a legal advice service for guidance – you can still submit the claim but will lose potential payment.
Do not insert unverified allegations or confidential private emails. The tribunal will filter out any non‑evidence that might discredit your claim.
Final Checks, Signature and Online Submission
Putting the finish on the ET1 and uploading it safely.
Before you hit ‘Submit’, ask yourself if the ET1 mirrors the evidence you have. Each entry should have a corresponding file that you can upload – for example, a screenshot of your email record or a PDF of your pay slip. The online system lets you attach up to 25 MB per claim but rejects duplicate files, so be tidy.
You will also be prompted to sign the form electronically. The signature line can be clicked and you will write your name in the space provided. Like a traditional signature, the electronic one must be the same name you used in Part 1.
Once everything looks good, click the final ‘Send to Tribunal’ button. The portal will then email you a confirmation and a reference number. Keep this number handy – it’s how you will track the progress of your claim and contact the tribunal if you have queries.
Save the final PDF of the filled ET1 on your computer as a backup before submission.
Putting It All Together
The ET1 form may feel like a maze at first, but by breaking it into clear parts and following the checklist above you can complete it confidently. Remember the 28‑day rule, fact‑based writing and a clean upload process – these three pillars will make a strong foundation for your case.
Once your ET1 is submitted, the tribunal will send a copy to your employer and you’ll begin a new phase – the response ET3. From that point, you’ll work with the tribunal to decide how best to resolve the dispute, whether through a hearing or settlement.
If you encounter difficulties—whether technical, timed or simply unsure of what to write—you can always turn to the UK government console, ACAS free advice lines or community help groups. And most importantly, keep your evidence neatly organised and your dates accurate: that is what legal tribunals rely on most.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to fill out the ET1 form?
No, you can complete an ET1 yourself – the form is designed for self‑representation. However, you may want to read the guidance or speak to an ombudsman if you plan a complex claim.
Can I submit the ET1 form after the 28‑day deadline?
Only in special circumstances – for example, if you can prove the deadline was delayed by a mistake or not under your control. In most cases, the tribunal will refuse the late claim.
What if I don’t upload all evidence before I submit?
You can upload additional evidence later, but it should be relevant to the facts already written. Evidence that was not attached risk the tribunal not having the required proof for your claim.
Is there a cost to submit an ET1 form?
The act of submitting the form itself is free. However, you may incur costs for legal advice, expert witnesses or translation services if needed.
Need help with your ET1 claim?
Our simple guide can walk you through every step of the ET1 and protect your legal rights.
This is not legal advice, this post is for information purposes only, legal advice should be from legal professionals only.
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