small claims tribunal
Attending an Employment small claims tribunal l hearing for the first time can be a daunting experience, and even experienced managers, when having to give evidence can feel extremely nervous. Whether you are one of the parties, or being called to give evidence, if you get an opportunity prior to your own hearing, it might be useful to try and visit the small claims tribunal at which you are due to have your case heard. Most hearings are open to the public and if you turn up at around 9:45 at any of the tribunal offices and ask to be admitted to a case as an observer, the staff will usually be very happy to help you.
Visiting another hearing in which you are not involved can be useful for many reasons, it will help you get used to the procedures, the way the room is laid out, how people give evidence the sorts of things judges and members ask and numerous other small items that will help put your mind at rest when you turn up for your own case. Even things like the layout of the room not being as expected can be unsettling.
As mentioned in an earlier article in this series, the Respondent is the name given to the ex-employer and the person bringing the claim is referred to as the Claimant. As you walk into the room the panel will be seated at benches in front of you the judge will be in the centre with a lay member either side. (In some cases - certain wages claims for instance - there will be a judge only) The clerk will direct you where to sit, and you will see another empty table which is where witnesses will give the evidence.
Tag: small claims tribunal
