Tribunal not replying...

[Maxter]

Hi,

Since March of this year I have been going through a tribunal claim with my ex-employer for unfair dismissal and breach of contract.

In March the judge set a direction for case management allowing both parties to request further information in relation to the claim and response. I made a request to my ex-employer for a range of information in relation to my case. It took nearly four months of me badgering (with the ET being cc'd in) for them to provide answers, however they refused to answer or provide information into key questions surrounding the arrival of two of the MD's ex-colleagues who were external to the business and who I believe were offered alternative roles before I was subseqently made redundant.

Their solicitors responded with "If you wish to challenge this position, an Order from the Tribunal will be sought to prevent us from furnishing these particulars on the basis that they relate to your case and not that of the Respondent". This statement in my mind is an admission of guilt.

Anyway, I subseqently requested that the ET make an order for them to provide the details (which interestingly they didn't carry out their threat of countering it with their own order as they said they would above?) but it has now been five weeks since I made the request and there has been no reply from the Tribunal?

Obviously the clock is ticking with my ET date being in November and I would like to know what the protocol is for chasing the ET? If you ring them an automated message tells you that due to their caseloads that the phone line is for emergencies in relations to trial for that day and to email them with all other enquiries but the problem is that the ET just don't reply to emails!

I know they are understaffed and overworked but their tardiness in replying is affecting my case. I also know that this isn't in relation to me personally, as both the respondent has made several requests over the last 4 monthes and several of my ex-colleagues have also had the same issue where the ET just doesn't reply!?

So my question is, what is the protocol that I should follow in relation to pushing the ET for a response to my request and/or asking for an extension or postponement of the ET trial date because of it?

Look forward to some advice.

Thanks

[echat11]

ULA Can you please take a look.

[ULA]

The Tribunal system is so back-logged at the moment. The only thing I can suggest if you cannot contact your Tribunal on the phone is to email them. Mark it urgent asking for any update on your request made on xxx date and reference the date you sent it.

Make sure your case matter number is in the subject line of the email.

[echat11]

I'm not sure if ET's has a reception that handles queries (especially in these times), but I suppose you could visit, but check their website first.

[ULA]

My understanding is that the Tribunals are still operating on limited staffing. People visiting are limited to those attending face -to-face hearings.

I would definitely not make a long journey on the off chance someone is there to assist. But it is nearby may be worth a try.

[Maxter]

Many thanks for the feedback on this.

I've followed ULA's recommendation and have sent an "urgent" email to the ET asking for an update.

Going through an employment tribunal is stressful enough without having complications like this along the way... but then again over the last couple of years the world seems more difficult on the whole!

[ULA]

A Tribunal process as a litigant in person is very stressful and unfortunately Covid has had a massive effect on what was a system already back logged.

if you have any more questions as you go through this process then just come back to this thread.