Friday, July 18, 2025
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.
Click the button below to view the resources relevant to the stage your claim is at, and what is ahead of you!
Try to settle the dispute without starting a claim.
Not able to resolve your issue? Then set out your complaint by completing the ET1 and respond with an ET3
Once the claim has started get the roadmap for your case at a Case Management Hearing ("CMH").
The CMH may identify specific issues to resolve before a Final Hearing, like strike-out or employment status.
You will be ordered to exchange all relevant documents with the other side.
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.
This is when your case is decided by the tribunal.
If you win, this stage decides compensation or reinstatement
You may be able to challenge the outcome — but only on limited grounds.
Click here for my free tribunal guide.


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