Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell
A witness statement can feel like the moment to say everything. But in an Employment Tribunal, it is evidence, not argument. Used badly, it can introduce new issues too late, blur the case, create fairness problems and turn final hearing preparation into a procedural dispute.
Written by John Barwell
Whistleblowing · COT3 settlements · Early-years safeguarding The EAT decision in Mrs A Darlington v London Borough of Islington is an orthodox application of COT3 construction principles. Its wider significance lies in the gap it exposes: Parliament has created a sectoral recruitment-stage whistleblowing shield for NHS applicants, but not for workers in regulated early-years settings. … Continue reading “Darlington v Islington: COT3 settlements and whistleblowing protection gaps”
Written by John Barwell
A hearing bundle can look like the case, but it is not the case. It is the working file of documents the Employment Tribunal uses to follow the issues, evidence and cross-examination at the hearing.
Written by John Barwell
A list of issues is not just a summary. It can shape what the tribunal hears, what evidence matters, and whether claims are narrowed without parties noticing.
Written by John Barwell
Amending an ET1 is not a guaranteed second chance. This article explains when a proposed change is likely to be treated as clarification, relabelling, a new claim, or a risky late amendment — and why limitation, prejudice, Rule 35 and Acas can matter.
Written by John Barwell
Interim relief is one of the most urgent Employment Tribunal remedies. In qualifying whistleblowing dismissal claims, a claimant may need to apply within seven days of the effective date of termination.
Written by John Barwell
An ET1 is not a diary, grievance bundle, appeal letter or witness statement. It is the pleaded starting point of the Employment Tribunal claim.
Written by John Barwell
Acas Early Conciliation is not just a pre-claim formality. It can pause time and produce the certificate needed for an ET1, but mistakes with certificate numbers, exemptions, respondent names or deadlines can still put a claim at risk.
Written by John Barwell
Do not assume you have six months to bring an Employment Tribunal claim. Current time limits, Acas early conciliation and interim relief still need urgent case-specific checking.
Written by John Barwell
Employment Tribunal law is changing in stages in 2026. Some rights are already in force, further reforms are expected later in the year, and ordinary unfair dismissal changes are due in 2027. This explainer sets out what workers and employers need to check now.
