Employment tribunal bundle checklist: grievance to hearing

The quick version

1. Keep every document in one binder, split into the sections below.
2. Write down every date and deadline the moment you get it.
3. Give each piece of evidence a reference and use it everywhere.
4. Number the pages and keep an up-to-date index at the front.

Get the ready-made workplace grievance and employment tribunal binder on Etsy, or build a personalised sample online.

Dates and deadlines to track

• Date of the problem or dismissal
• Grievance submitted
• Grievance meeting
• Outcome or appeal
• Acas notified (within time limit)
• Tribunal claim (ET1) submitted
• Hearing date

Always use the exact dates in your court or tribunal letters and orders. Count working days with our free working days calculator. Check your claim deadline with the employment tribunal time limit calculator.

How to section your binder

What this binder is for

Case Ready is a document organisation and preparation tool that helps you present your case materials clearly. This edition is designed with reference to workplace grievances and employment tribunal claims in England, Wales and Scotland.

• Organise documents logically
• Keep materials in order
• Prepare for hearings and deadlines

What this binder is not

Case Ready:

• Does not provide legal advice
• Does not tell you what arguments to make
• Does not guarantee any outcome

If you need legal advice, speak to Acas, Citizens Advice, a trade union or an employment lawyer.

Grievances (Acas code of practice)

• Raise your grievance in writing, without unreasonable delay, with a manager who is not the subject of it.
• Your employer should hold a meeting without unreasonable delay. You can be accompanied by a colleague, a trade union representative or a trade union official.
• The outcome should be given in writing, and you should be told you can appeal.
• Appeal in writing, without unreasonable delay, stating your grounds.

Tribunal time limits (Acas)

• The first step towards a tribunal claim is to notify Acas within your time limit.
• For most claims about a problem on or after 1 October 2026, the time limit is 6 months minus 1 day. For problems before then, it is usually 3 months minus 1 day. Some claims have different limits.
• The time limit is paused during early conciliation, as long as you notify Acas in time.
• Grievance and appeal procedures do not change the time limit.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has different employment law and uses the Labour Relations Agency and Industrial Tribunals. Use the Northern Ireland edition.

Chronology & evidence

Chronologies and evidence logs are commonly used to assist judges, tribunal panels and mediators. They help decision-makers understand:

• What happened
• When it happened
• Where supporting documents can be found

Hearings & practicalities

On the day of your hearing:

• Bring the copies you have been asked for
• Keep this binder with you
• Use it to find documents quickly

Judges, tribunal members and staff expect parties to be organised and to follow procedure.

Before your hearing

• Documents are filed in the right sections
• Pages are numbered in sequence
• Evidence is labelled and easy to reference
• The chronology is clear and up to date
• Court orders and deadlines are recorded
• Documents are in date order unless directed otherwise
• Confidential material is kept separate
• Copies are ready for the hearing
• The binder is easy to navigate quickly

Save time with Case Ready

Case Ready is a printable, fillable case binder for workplace grievance and employment tribunal: front sheet, dividers, key dates sheet, evidence index and more, with your case details on every page. Type into it on screen or print it at home.

See Case Ready on Etsy  |  Try the online builder