Race employment tribunal

If you think you have been discriminated against at work and can't resolve your complaint with your employer, either through the statutory grievance procedures or by using the race relations questionnaire (RR65 form), you can commence a claim in an employment tribunal.

A tribunal is similar to a court, although more informal. It hears different types of complaints from employees and has rules and procedures, which must be followed. If you are thinking of taking a case to a tribunal you should seek legal advice.

If you are thinking about commencing a claim, you should also be aware of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 (“the Employment Tribunal Regulations”) which came into force on 1 October 2004. These are intended to make the employment tribunal system more efficient, and to streamline procedures. They have, for example, introduced some changes relevant to claimants such as new forms that must be completed and costs orders that may be made.

If your complaint goes to a hearing it will be heard by a panel of three people. These include the chair, who is legally qualified, and two non-legally qualified members, who have experience as employers or union representatives.