Letter Before Tribunal Claim Template & Generator

If you need to final letter before submitting employment tribunal claim, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong letter before tribunal claim should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the nature of the claim (specify from the situation described)
• Reference the ACAS early conciliation requirement
• Set a 14-day deadline for response
• State the remedy sought

Why a final letter before claim matters

Once ACAS early conciliation has concluded, sending a final letter setting out your position before actually submitting your Employment Tribunal claim gives your employer one last clear opportunity to settle — and demonstrates to a tribunal that you approached the matter reasonably rather than rushing straight to litigation.

What to include before you send it

• A clear, final summary of your complaint and the legal basis for it
• Confirmation that ACAS early conciliation has concluded, with your certificate number
• What outcome or settlement you'd accept to avoid proceeding to tribunal
• A clear deadline before you submit your claim to the tribunal

Being realistic about settlement value

A settlement figure that's wildly unrealistic can undermine genuine negotiation, while being too quick to settle low can undervalue a strong claim. If you're unsure of realistic tribunal compensation ranges for your specific type of claim, it's worth researching comparable cases or seeking advice before finalising a figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to send this before submitting my claim?
It's not a strict legal requirement, but it's good practice and can support a costs argument later if your employer unreasonably refused a fair settlement offer.

What if my employer doesn't respond at all?
You can proceed to submit your tribunal claim once your deadline passes, using this letter as evidence of a reasonable final attempt to resolve things.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.