Summary
The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 establishes the legal framework for employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal in England and Wales and Scotland.
Key Points
- Establishes employment tribunals (formerly industrial tribunals) and Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)
- Jurisdiction — claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, wages, redundancy, etc.
- Composition — employment judge sitting alone or with lay members
- EAT hears appeals on points of law only
- Powers to make awards of compensation, reinstatement, or re-engagement
- ACAS early conciliation required before issuing tribunal proceedings