How to Complete an ET1 Form for a Dismissal Claim

The ET1 form is the formal document used to start a claim in the Employment Tribunal in England and Wales. It is issued through HM Courts & Tribunals Service and is required for claims involving unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination, and related employment disputes.

In dismissal cases, the ET1 form is the claimant's primary written statement of their case. It sets out the employment history, the circumstances of dismissal, and the legal basis for the claim. The tribunal and respondent rely heavily on this document to understand the dispute and prepare for proceedings.

The form can be completed online or submitted in PDF format. A key feature is Section 8.2, where the detailed “particulars of claim” are set out.

Overview of the ET1 Form Structure

The ET1 form is divided into several sections covering:

• Claimant details
• Respondent (employer) details
• Employment information
• Details of the claim
• Compensation and remedy sought
• ACAS Early Conciliation certificate details

The most important section for dismissal claims is the section requiring a clear explanation of what happened and why the dismissal is alleged to be unlawful. This is often provided in a separate attached document.

The official ET1 form is issued by HM Courts & Tribunals Service and is available via GOV.UK.

Step 1: Claimant and Employment Details

This section identifies the person bringing the claim and confirms jurisdiction.

Typical information required includes:

• Full name, address, and contact details
• National Insurance number (if applicable)
• Employment status (employee, worker, etc.)
• Job title and role
• Start and end dates of employment
• Workplace location

Accuracy is important because these details establish eligibility and tribunal jurisdiction.

Step 2: Respondent Details (Employer Information)

The respondent is usually the employer but may also include:

• A parent company or group entity
• A trading subsidiary
• An individual manager (in limited discrimination-related claims)

Required information includes:

• Legal name of the employer
• Registered address (not just trading address)
• Company registration details if known

Errors in naming the respondent can delay proceedings or require amendments later.

Step 3: ACAS Early Conciliation Details

Before submitting an ET1, claimants must normally complete ACAS Early Conciliation and obtain a certificate number.

This must be included in the ET1 form.

The certificate:

• Confirms ACAS involvement
• Provides a reference number required for submission
• Ensures compliance with mandatory pre-claim procedure

Without it, the tribunal will generally reject the claim unless an exception applies.

Step 4: Employment Tribunal Claim Details (Dismissal Narrative)

This section explains the dismissal and forms the basis of the legal claim. It should be written clearly, in chronological order, focusing on relevant facts.

What to include

A dismissal claim should normally cover:

• The reason given for dismissal by the employer
• The date of dismissal and how it was communicated
• Events leading up to dismissal (disciplinary, performance, redundancy process, etc.)
• Whether procedures were followed (meetings, warnings, investigation)
• Whether an appeal was offered or conducted
• Why the dismissal is considered unfair or unlawful

Structure of a strong dismissal account

A clear ET1 narrative typically includes:

• Background to employment
• Events leading to dismissal
• The dismissal decision
• Post-dismissal events (appeal outcome, final communications)
• Legal basis of the complaint

The tribunal uses this section to define the issues in dispute, so clarity and structure are essential.

Step 5: Particulars of Claim (Section 8.2)

In many dismissal cases, the detailed legal argument is set out in a separate document attached to the ET1.

This is often titled:

“Particulars of Claim”

What this section should contain

• Chronological facts in numbered paragraphs
• Identification of the legal claim (e.g., unfair dismissal under Employment Rights Act 1996)
• Explanation of why the dismissal was unfair
• Reference to procedural failures or lack of fair reason
• Identification of losses suffered (income, benefits, pension)

Drafting approach

• Use numbered paragraphs
• Separate facts from commentary
• Avoid unnecessary detail
• Ensure all key events are included
• Keep language factual and neutral

The tribunal relies on this document to understand the legal case in full, especially before a hearing.

Step 6: Compensation and Remedies Sought

The ET1 form asks what outcome is being requested. In dismissal claims, this may include:

• Compensation for financial loss
• Basic award (statutory calculation based on age, pay, and service)
• Compensatory award (loss of earnings and benefits)
• Reinstatement or re-engagement (less common)

A realistic calculation of loss is not required at this stage, but the general basis for loss should be indicated.

Step 7: Submitting the ET1 Form

The form can be submitted:

• Online via the Employment Tribunal system
• By post using the official ET1 PDF

Once submitted:

• The tribunal processes the claim
• The employer is served with the ET1
• The employer has 28 days to file a response (ET3)
• Case management directions may follow

No tribunal fee is payable to issue the claim.

Common Mistakes When Completing an ET1

1. Incomplete dismissal timeline

Failing to clearly explain events leading to dismissal can weaken the claim.

2. Incorrect respondent name

Naming a trading name instead of the legal entity may cause procedural issues.

3. Missing ACAS certificate

Without it, the claim may not be accepted.

4. Excessive narrative without structure

Long, unstructured accounts can make it difficult for the tribunal to identify legal issues.

5. Missing key legal basis

It is important to identify that the claim relates to unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Practical Guidance for Dismissal Claims

A well-prepared ET1 should allow the tribunal to understand:

• Who the employer is
• What happened during employment
• Why dismissal occurred
• Why the dismissal is alleged to be unfair

Supporting documents can be provided later, but the ET1 must stand alone as a clear summary of the case.

Key Takeaways

Completing an ET1 form for a dismissal claim involves:

• Providing accurate personal and employer details
• Including the ACAS Early Conciliation certificate number
• Setting out a clear, chronological account of dismissal
• Explaining why the dismissal is considered unfair
• Attaching or including structured particulars of claim
• Stating the remedies sought

The ET1 is the foundation of an Employment Tribunal claim and determines how the case is understood at every later stage.