Wolfe & Black practical guide
Employment Tribunal Chronology Preparation
How to organise workplace events, correspondence and evidence into a usable tribunal chronology.
Updated 3 October 2026
An employment tribunal chronology should give a neutral, document-linked sequence of the events relevant to the pleaded claims and response. It is a navigation tool for the case, not a substitute for the ET1, ET3, witness evidence or legal submissions.
1. Start with the pleaded issues
Use the ET1, ET3 and tribunal orders to identify the factual issues that actually matter. Exclude background events that do not help explain a disputed issue or procedural step.
2. Use a consistent chronology format
Record date, event, people involved, source document and issue relevance. Mark approximate dates clearly and distinguish contemporaneous records from later recollections.
3. Link each important event to evidence
Reference emails, letters, meeting notes, policies, pay records, attendance records or other documents beside the event they support so the underlying evidence can be located quickly.
4. Keep disputed accounts visible
Where the parties describe an event differently, record the dispute neutrally and identify the competing documents or witness evidence rather than writing the chronology as advocacy.
5. Maintain the chronology as the case develops
Update it after disclosure, case-management orders and new evidence. Keep tribunal deadlines in a separate procedural schedule so evidential chronology and case administration do not become confused.
Employment and tribunal deadlines can be strict. General preparation material is not a substitute for checking the applicable limitation and procedural rules.
Questions to ask before proceeding
What is the exact decision? What deadline applies? Which facts are genuinely disputed? What documents prove the important facts? What framework governs the decision? What outcome are you asking for? What has already been tried?
Official sources to check
Rules, guidance and procedures can change. These are the primary official sources used to keep this area grounded:
Frequently asked questions
What should I send for preparation?
The invitation or tribunal notice, allegations or claim documents, relevant policies, correspondence, evidence and every deadline.
Does an internal grievance change a tribunal deadline?
Do not assume that an internal process changes a tribunal deadline. Check the applicable rules and seek case-specific advice promptly.
Related guides
Wolfe & Black is not a firm of solicitors. We provide case preparation and non-reserved support. Reserved legal activities or representation are only undertaken where lawfully permitted.
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