Content Hub/Case Management/9 What Happens If I Miss a Case Management Hearing?

Monday, May 12, 2025

What Happens If I Miss a Case Management Hearing?

If you're representing yourself in an Employment Tribunal claim, attending all scheduled hearings, including the Case Management Hearing (CMH), is crucial.Missing a CMH can have significant implications for your case.

Immediate Consequences

Failing to attend a CMH without prior notice or a valid reason can lead the tribunal to proceed in your absence.This means decisions about case directions, deadlines, and other procedural matters may be made without your input, potentially putting you at a disadvantage

Potential Risks

Striking Out of Claim or Response:Persistent non-compliance or failure to attend hearings can result in your claim or response being struck out.

Cost Orders:The tribunal may order you to pay costs if your absence causes unnecessary delays or expenses for the other party.This is especially likely if the tribunal deems your behavior unreasonable.

Steps to Take If You Missed a CMH

1. Contact the Tribunal Immediately:Explain the reason for your absence as soon as possible.Provide any supporting evidence, such as medical certificates or travel disruptions.

2. Request a Copy of the Orders:Ask the tribunal for any orders or directions made during the hearing you missed.This will help you understand what steps you need to take next.

3. Comply with Directions Promptly:Even if you missed the hearing, it's essential to adhere to any deadlines or instructions set by the tribunal to avoid further complications.

4. Seek Legal Advice:If you're unsure about the implications of missing the hearing or how to proceed, consider seeking advice from legal professionals or support organizations.​

Preventative Measures

Keep Contact Information Updated:Ensure the tribunal has your current address, phone number, and email to receive all correspondence promptly.

Note All Deadlines and Hearing Dates:Maintain a calendar with all important dates related to your case to avoid missing any hearings.

Inform the Tribunal of Conflicts in Advance:If you know you cannot attend a scheduled hearing, notify the tribunal as early as possible to request a rescheduling.

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.

πŸ“ Presenting a Claim

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

πŸ—‚οΈ Case Management

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

βš–οΈ Preliminary Applications and Hearings

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

πŸ“‚ Disclosure

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

πŸ—£οΈ 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.

πŸ›οΈ Final Hearings

This is when your case is decided by the tribunal.

πŸ’· Remedies

If you win, this stage decides compensation or reinstatement

πŸ” Appeals

You may be able to challenge the outcome β€” but only on limited grounds.

πŸŽ₯Β Other Resources

πŸ“šΒ Free GuideΒ πŸ“˜

Click here for my free tribunal guide.

Briefed_CyberSecurityTrained_Full png
2026 Chambers and Partners badge
uk-leading-junior-2023 jpeg
Briefed_DataSecurityBarristerFull_Feb png