Employment Tribunal Solicitors in Birmingham for Claims

Employment Tribunal Solicitors in Birmingham

Witan Solicitors advise on Employment Tribunal claims in Birmingham: the claim types, the time limits and what each case involves. Both employees and employers can instruct us, with No Win No Fee funding for eligible employee claims.

Unfair dismissal and discrimination claims are stressful at any time. Most claims must start within three months minus one day of the alleged action, and ACAS early conciliation must begin before that deadline passes.

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Legal 500 recognised employment team
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No Win No Fee for employees
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Acting for employees and employers
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ACAS early conciliation experience
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Birmingham city centre office

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Support for Employees During Tribunals

Bringing an Employment Tribunal claim in Birmingham depends on your specific claim type, each with its own time limit, threshold and level of compensation.

ACAS early conciliation

Before you can lodge an ET1 (the tribunal claim form), you must notify ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service). It's free and usually lasts six weeks, pausing your time limit while the case may settle.

Unfair dismissal

If you have two years' service and your employer lacked a fair reason or fair process, Witan can help you claim unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996. The basic award is capped at £22,530, the compensatory award at £123,543.

Automatically unfair dismissal

Some dismissals are automatically unfair however long you have worked there, including whistleblowing, pregnancy and health and safety reasons. No two-year qualifying period applies, and whistleblowing compensation is uncapped. We check if your case fits.

Discrimination claims

The Equality Act 2010 protects nine characteristics, including age, disability, race, sex and religion. Unfair treatment because of one may support a discrimination, harassment or victimisation claim. Compensation is uncapped, with a possible award under the Vento bands, the scale tribunals use to value injury to feelings.

Constructive dismissal

If your employer seriously breached your contract, often by breaking trust and confidence, and you resigned because of it, you may have a constructive dismissal claim. Two years' service normally applies unless discrimination is involved too. Our team assesses your situation and whether it meets the threshold, and can help you start the process.

Whistleblowing: protected disclosures

If you reported wrongdoing in the public interest, such as a crime or a health and safety risk, you are protected from dismissal and detriment. There is no minimum service and compensation is uncapped. We check if your disclosure qualifies.

Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful dismissal is a breach of contract claim, usually for dismissal without your full notice pay. No minimum service applies. You can claim up to £25,000 at tribunal, or more through the County Court. Our team handle the evidence and applications to recover the notice pay you are owed.

Redundancy: fair process

A redundancy dismissal is fair only where it is genuine and selection is objective. We assess whether your employer conducted consultations properly and considered suitable alternative roles, and if possible, help you secure redundancy pay plus compensation.

Advising Employers on Tribunals

If your business is facing an Employment Tribunal, our Birmingham team can help you assess the specific claim against you, its threshold, its potential cost and how to respond.

ACAS early conciliation: responding to a claim

When ACAS contacts you about a possible claim, conciliation is free and usually lasts six weeks. It pauses the claimant's time limit, not yours. Witan responds on your behalf and uses the window to explore an early, controlled settlement.

Defending an unfair dismissal claim

An employee with two years' service can claim unfair dismissal if you lacked a fair reason or fair process. Awards run to £22,530 basic and £123,543 compensatory, and tribunals can add 25% for ignoring the ACAS Code. Witan builds your defence, handling all evidence and communications.

Defending discrimination claims

Claims under the Equality Act 2010 carry uncapped compensation, plus a possible award under the Vento bands, the scale tribunals use to value injury to feelings. We review your position and advise you on how best to approach the claim.

Running a fair redundancy process

A redundancy dismissal must be genuine, with objective selection, real consultation and consideration of suitable alternative roles. Missing any step can make it unfair. We guide you through the process from start to finish.

Defending an Employment Tribunal claim

Once you receive an ET1, you have 28 days to file your ET3 response, or you risk a default judgment. We prepare your ET3 and represent you at hearings.

Your Confidence, Our Commitment

Meet the Team

Qarrar Somji

Director and Solicitor-Advocate

Qarrar leads complex employment litigation including High Court matters.

Jasia Kazmi

Solicitor

Jasia advises on unfair dismissal, discrimination and tribunal claims, with direct ACAS and ET1 experience.

Our Birmingham Office

Our Birmingham office is in Digbeth, less than a mile from the Bullring and New Street Station, with city-centre access by foot, car and bus.

Witan Solicitors (Birmingham)
Bradford Court
123–131 Bradford Street
Digbeth, Birmingham
B12 0NS

Make an Enquiry

Get Employment Tribunal Advice Today

Employment Tribunal claims must start within three months minus one day, and ACAS conciliation must begin before that deadline passes.

We offer a free consultation, with No Win No Fee for eligible employee claims.

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0300 303 2071

Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:30

or email us at info@witansolicitors.co.uk

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FAQ

How long do I have to bring an Employment Tribunal claim?

You normally have three months minus one day from your dismissal or the discriminatory act to start a claim. ACAS early conciliation pauses this clock. Missing the deadline almost always means your claim is rejected, so seek advice early.

What is ACAS early conciliation and is it compulsory?

ACAS early conciliation is a free, confidential process both sides must go through before an ET1 can be lodged. ACAS helps you settle without a hearing, usually within six weeks. It is compulsory, and your time limit is paused while conciliation takes place.

How much compensation can I get for unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal compensation has two parts. The basic award is capped at £22,530. The compensatory award is capped at £123,543 or 52 weeks' gross pay, whichever is lower. Tribunals can add up to 25% where your employer ignored the ACAS Code of Practice.

Do I need two years' service to bring an employment claim?

Standard unfair dismissal claims need two years' continuous service. Discrimination claims and automatic unfair dismissals, such as whistleblowing or health and safety dismissals, have no minimum service requirement. We check which category applies.

What happens after an employer receives an ET1 claim form?

An employer has 28 days from receiving an ET1 to file an ET3 response setting out their defence. Missing this deadline can lead to judgment by default. A preliminary hearing usually follows to set a timetable for evidence, witness statements and the final hearing date.

This page was last reviewed by Jasia Kazmi, Solicitor, Employment Law Team, July 2026. Our employment law content is reviewed every six months to ensure it reflects current legislation, case law and market practice.

Witan Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 605789). You can view the firm record on the SRA register, and Witan publishes its complaints procedure online.

Compensation figures on this page reflect the rates in force at the time of last review. Tribunal award caps and Vento bands change every April, so figures may have moved on since publication.