Employment Tribunal Lawyers for Employees
Specialist employment tribunal lawyers in London and the South East – helping you challenge unfair treatment and achieve the outcome you deserve.
Been treated unfairly at work? We help you stand up for your rights.
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. You may be anxious, angry or unsure what to do – especially if your employer seems powerful or unaccountable.
You don’t have to face it alone. At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, our employment tribunal lawyers help employees take back control and assert their rights.
We advise individuals across London and the South East, offering expert legal support in sensitive and high-stakes workplace disputes. Whether your case involves unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing or a breach of your employment rights, we’ll guide you through the tribunal process with confidence, care and expertise.
Bringing a tribunal claim is a big step. We’re here to provide clarity, reassurance and robust legal support – at every stage.
What can you bring a claim for?
Our employment tribunal lawyers act in a wide range of workplace disputes, including:
- Unfair dismissal – Where your employer didn’t follow a fair process or had no good reason to dismiss you.
- Constructive dismissal – Where you’ve felt forced to resigned due to intolerable treatment.
- Discrimination – Based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
- Harassment and victimisation.
- Whistleblowing – Where you’ve faced negative treatment for raising concerns.
- Breach of contract – Including non-payment of salary, bonuses or notice
- Unlawful deductions from wages.
- Redundancy issues – Unfair selection or flawed processes.
We’ll help you clarify what’s happened, assess your legal position and advise on the best way forward – whether that’s settlement or a full hearing.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
Key time limits for employment tribunal claims.
Strict time limits apply to employment tribunal claims, and missing a deadline could prevent your case from being heard.
In most situations, you must start the process within three months less one day from the date of the issue – whether that’s the day you were dismissed, the date of the last discriminatory act or when your employer failed to pay you correctly.
You must also go through Acas Early Conciliation before submitting a claim. This step may extend your deadline slightly, but it’s vital to act promptly.
Common time limits include:
- Unfair dismissal / constructive dismissal – 3 months minus 1 day from the date of termination.
- Discrimination, harassment or victimisation (under the Equality Act 2010) – 3 months (minus 1 day) from the last act.
- Whistleblowing detriment – 3 months from the action taken against you.
- Wages, bonuses or holiday pay claims – 3 months (minus 1 day) from the date of non-payment.
- Breach of contract claims (in tribunal) – 3 months (minus 1 day) from termination.
In rare cases, a tribunal may allow a late claim, but only where there’s a strong reason and it would be fair to do so. If you’re unsure, contact us straightaway.
Starting your employment tribunal claim
If internal processes haven’t resolved things, tribunal may be your next step. We’ll help you navigate every part of the process:
- Reviewing your case and advising on its legal merits.
- Managing Acas Early Conciliation.
- Preparing and submitting your ET1 tribunal claim form.
- Assisting with evidence, documentation and witness statements.
- Representing you at preliminary and final hearings.
- Advising on settlement discussions, appeals and enforcement.
You’ll receive clear, practical advice throughout – whether you’re seeking early resolution or pursuing your case to a tribunal hearing.
Meet our employment law partners
Why employees trust Thomas Mansfield with tribunal claims.
- Recognised expertise – We’re specialist employment lawyers with a strong track record in tribunal claims. Legal 500 recommended, Lexcel accredited and members of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Tribunal experience that counts – From unfair dismissal to discrimination, whistleblowing and breach of contract, we represent employees in complex, high-stakes cases.
- Client-focused approach – Whether you’re considering settlement or preparing for a hearing, we’ll guide you with honest, strategic advice and help you make informed decisions at every stage.
- Responsive and accessible – We act quickly, explain the process clearly and keep communication personal. With offices in London and the South East, and remote appointments available, expert help is always within reach.
- Trusted by clients – Known for our professionalism, empathy and strong outcomes, our employment team consistently receives 5-star reviews from individuals we’ve supported through difficult times.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Thinking about an employment tribunal claim?
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, taking legal action can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Time limits are short, usually three months less one day from the issue, so it’s important to act quickly.
Our employment tribunal lawyers are here to guide you through the process, explain your rights and help you decide the best way forward.
Take the first step today.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to go to a tribunal hearing?
No. Many claims settle before reaching a final hearing - often during Acas conciliation or through a negotiated agreement later in the process. Our employment tribunal lawyers will help you understand your options at every stage. If a settlement is in your best interests, we’ll work to achieve the best outcome. If a hearing is necessary, you’ll have strong representation and clear guidance throughout, but it remains your choice whether you litigate or not.
How much will it cost to bring a tribunal claim?
We’re clear and upfront about costs from the start. Depending on your case, we may be able to offer staged payments or capped support to give you certainty and control. You can learn more about our approach to fees on our employment law pricing page. We’ll always help you weigh the potential value of your claim against the cost of pursuing it - and support you in making the decision that’s right for you.
Will bringing a claim affect future job opportunities?
You’re not required to disclose a claim to future employers unless asked directly but most final hearings are held in public and judgements are rarely published. Only in rare cases will a tribunal grant anonymity. Our employment tribunal lawyers will help you manage the process discreetly and advise on how to handle any references or employment history concerns.
What compensation could I receive if my claim is successful?
This depends on the type of claim and your specific circumstances. For example, unfair dismissal claims may include a basic award and compensation for lost earnings, which is subject to a cap. Discrimination claims can include uncapped financial loss and compensation for injury to feelings. Wage claims involve the amount owed. We’ll give you a realistic assessment based on the strength of your case, the evidence available and what tribunals typically award in similar situations.
I’m still employed – can I bring a claim without making things worse?
Yes. It’s not unusual to bring a claim while still employed - especially in cases involving discrimination, harassment or whistleblowing detriment. We’ll guide you through the process with discretion and care, helping you protect your position and minimise disruption. Our focus is on reducing risk and giving you clarity and confidence in what comes next.
How long do I have to start a claim?
Most employment tribunal claims must be started within three months less one day from the relevant event - such as your dismissal, the last act of discrimination or the failure to pay your wages. Before submitting a claim, you’ll also need to contact Acas for Early Conciliation. This is a required step in most cases and can affect your time limit, so it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.