Content Hub/FAQ Who will be in Tribunal/Is There a Jury in an Employment Tribunal?

Friday, July 18, 2025

Is There a Jury in an Employment Tribunal?

In short—there isn't. But often the full panel is called "an industrial jury".

Understanding Employment Tribunal vs Jury Trial
Employment tribunals are judge-led, not jury-led
Unlike criminal courts, employment tribunals do not use juries. Hearings are led by a judge, and in some cases, by a tribunal panel with lay members—but never a jury.That means your case is decided by legally trained or experienced individuals—not a group of peers.

Who Decides Your Case Instead of a Jury?
Sole employment judge or tribunal panel
Most tribunal cases are heard by a singleEmployment Judge. However, for complex or sensitive cases—such as discrimination or whistleblowing—a tribunal panel may sit. This panel includes the judge plus two lay members (an employer-side and an employee-side individual).

What’s a lay member’s job?
Lay members aren’t legal professionals. Instead, they bring workplace perspective. They evaluate facts alongside the judge but don’t function like jurors.

What This Means for You as a Litigant in Person
No jury to impress—focus on the law and your facts
Without a jury, your evidence is heard directly by a judge or panel who understand legal reasoning. Stay concise, organise your documents clearly, and focus on how the law supports your case.

Panel decisions are transparent
If a panel is present, during deliberation the judge chairs discussion with lay members. The outcome is clear and documented by a detailed judgment—no obscure jury verdict.

You can ask questions if you’re unsure
If you don’t understand something during your hearing, you can ask the judge or tribunal clerk to explain. There’s no fear of insulting a jury—comfortable communication is essential.

Disclaimer: Please note, none of the answers on this page or connected pages are legal advice, and whilst reasonable steps are taken to ensure its accuracy at the time of publication, the law changes regularly

🧭 Navigating your Claim

⏳ Chronology of a Claim

Click the button below to view the resources relevant to the stage your claim is at, and what is ahead of you!

🤝 Informal Resolution

Try to settle the dispute without starting a claim.

📝 Presenting a Claim

Not able to resolve your issue? Then set out your complaint by completing the ET1 and respond with an ET3

🗂️ Case Management

Once the claim has started get the roadmap for your case at a Case Management Hearing ("CMH").

⚖️ Preliminary Applications and Hearings

The CMH may identify specific issues to resolve before a Final Hearing, like strike-out or employment status.

📂 Disclosure

You will be ordered to exchange all relevant documents with the other side.

🗣️ Witness Statements

You will need to write a detailed account of your evidence before the Final Hearing and possibly any Preliminary Hearing, and send it to the other side.

🏛️ Final Hearings

This is when your case is decided by the tribunal.

💷 Remedies

If you win, this stage decides compensation or reinstatement

🔁 Appeals

You may be able to challenge the outcome — but only on limited grounds.

🎥 Other Resources

📚 Free Guide 📘

Click here for my free tribunal guide.

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