How to Submit Your ET1 Form

The ET1 form is the official document for starting an Employment Tribunal claim in England, Wales, and Scotland. This guide explains exactly how to complete and submit your ET1 form, including what information you need, how to fill in the crucial section 8.2 (Particulars of Claim), and what happens after you submit.

Last updated: 14 February 2026
Generate Your Particulars of Claim

Quick Reference

Fee
No fee - free
Submission
Online at gov.uk
Key section
8.2 - Particulars of Claim
Processing time
~1 week for acceptance

What You'll Need

Essential
ACAS certificate number
Your Early Conciliation certificate reference number, issued by ACAS after the conciliation process
Essential
Respondent's details
Your employer's full name and registered address
Essential
Employment dates
Your start date and, if applicable, the date your employment ended
Essential
Particulars of Claim
The detailed legal narrative for section 8.2 of the ET1 form
Important
Salary and benefits
Your gross and net pay, working hours, and any benefits you received
Helpful
Supporting documents
Contract of employment, dismissal letter, grievance correspondence

Section 8.2: Particulars of Claim

This is the most important section. It sets out the facts, the legal basis for your claim, and the remedies you seek. Judges use this to understand your case before the hearing. A well-drafted PoC significantly improves your prospects.

No Fee Required

Since the Supreme Court ruling in R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017], there is no fee to submit an ET1 form. It is completely free to make an Employment Tribunal claim.

Step-by-Step ET1 Submission

1

Complete ACAS Early Conciliation

Contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100 and complete the conciliation process. You will receive a certificate with a reference number.

2

Generate your Particulars of Claim

Use our service to create professional Particulars of Claim citing the relevant legislation for your claim type. This goes in section 8.2.

3

Go to the online ET1 form

Visit gov.uk/employment-tribunals/make-a-claim to start.

4

Complete all sections

Fill in personal details, employer details, employment dates, earnings, and claim type. Paste your Particulars of Claim into section 8.2.

5

Review and submit

Double-check all details, then submit electronically. You'll receive confirmation and a case number.

Tips for a Successful Submission

  • Proofread everything - Check all names, dates, and amounts before submitting. Errors can cause delays or complications.
  • Keep a copy - Save or print a copy of the completed ET1 form for your records before submitting.
  • Check the ACAS certificate number - Make sure the number on your ET1 matches your ACAS certificate exactly. Mismatches cause rejections.
  • Don't leave section 8.2 blank - This is where your legal case goes. A blank or vague section 8.2 weakens your claim significantly.
  • Submit before your deadline - Don't wait until the last day. Submit with time to spare in case of technical issues.
  • You can amend later - If you need to change your claim after submission, you can apply to the tribunal for permission to amend, but this requires a good reason.

Related Guides

ACAS Early Conciliation

Understanding the mandatory ACAS Early Conciliation process before submitting your ET1 form.

Particulars of Claim Template

How to structure and draft effective Particulars of Claim for section 8.2 of your ET1 form.

Employment Tribunal Time Limits

Critical deadlines for submitting your ET1 form based on your claim type.

Unfair Dismissal Claims

Complete guide to unfair dismissal claims including eligibility, grounds, and remedies.

Ready to submit your ET1?

Generate professional Particulars of Claim for section 8.2 of your ET1 form.

Start Your Claim

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit my ET1 form?
You submit your ET1 form online through the government's official portal at gov.uk/employment-tribunals/make-a-claim. The form must be completed electronically and submitted online. You cannot submit by post unless you have a disability that prevents online submission.
Is there a fee to submit an ET1 form?
No. Since the Supreme Court ruling in R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017], there is no fee to submit an ET1 form. It is completely free to make an Employment Tribunal claim.
What goes in section 8.2 of the ET1 form?
Section 8.2 is where you provide your Particulars of Claim. This should include: a chronological account of the facts, the legal basis for your claim (citing relevant legislation like the Employment Rights Act 1996), why you believe you have been treated unlawfully, and the remedies you are seeking (such as compensation or reinstatement). Our service helps you create professional Particulars of Claim for this section.
What happens after I submit my ET1 form?
After submission, the tribunal will review your ET1 form to ensure it meets the basic requirements. This usually takes about one week. If accepted, your claim will be sent to the respondent (your employer), who must file a response (ET3 form) within 28 days. The tribunal will then send you case management orders setting out the next steps toward a hearing.
Can I amend my ET1 claim after submission?
Yes, but you need the tribunal's permission to amend your claim. You must apply to the tribunal explaining what you want to change and why. The tribunal will consider factors like whether the amendment would add a new claim type (which might be out of time), prejudice to the respondent, and the reason for the amendment. It's better to get everything right before submitting if possible.
How long does it take for my ET1 to be processed?
The tribunal typically takes about one week to review and accept your ET1 form, provided it meets the basic requirements (has an ACAS certificate number, is submitted in time, and contains the necessary information). You'll receive confirmation of acceptance and your claim number by email. The respondent then has 28 days to file their response.