Employment tribunal

TinaM79

Hi everyone,I’m new here and hoping to connect with people who’ve been through something similar.

I became unwell while working in a school and asked for reasonable adjustments so I could keep doing my job safely. Despite clear medical advice, my employer didn’t put the adjustments in place, and things eventually became unsafe for me. I’m now taking my case to an Employment Tribunal.

The legal costs are far beyond anything I can afford on my own, so I’ve had to start crowdfunding just to be able to continue. It’s been overwhelming trying to fight for my rights while also worrying about money.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through a similar process — how you coped, what helped, and any advice you wish you’d had at the start. Thank you for reading.

Tina

TinaM79

I can't believe nobody here has been in my situation!!

Bluebell21

Hi @TinaM79 welcome to the Community. I am sorry no one has been able to answer your question.

We do not have as many Scope moderators on the forum over the weekend. Hopefully someone will be able to answer your questions tomorrow.

Take care.

TinaM79

It's a shame, I used to be a volunteer on here and there was always more people helping each other

PracticeWotUPreach

Hi @TinaM79 I’m really sorry you’re going through this — your situation sounds very close to mine.

I also became unwell while working and tried to continue by asking for adjustments, but they weren’t properly put in place. Over time it reached a point where things didn’t feel safe for me either, which is what led me to start an Employment Tribunal claim.

I completely understand how overwhelming it feels — especially with the financial side. I haven’t been able to afford legal representation either, so I’ve been doing everything myself, including preparing documents and the bundle. It’s been a lot to manage, but taking it step by step has honestly helped more than anything.

One thing I’d say is to keep everything — emails, messages, medical notes — even small things can become really important later on.

You’re definitely not alone in this, even though it can feel isolating. It takes a lot of strength to keep going with something like this while also dealing with your health.

Wishing you strength with it all.

Santosha12

Good luck @TinaM79 with your Tribunal case and your Crowdfunding.

Might be a long shot but, depending how your health was affected, you might want to take a look at the Industrial Injuries Benefit Board (part of Gov.uk). I didn't bother as it's deducted off UC anyway so I'm not wasting my time or using my precious, limited energy, for that.

I was going to Tribunal a while ago but used a solicitor that was 'no win no fee' so obviously less award. The company I was employed by settled prior to Tribunal which I had no choice but to accept (they then went into Administration). I had the foresight to let the business angels (institutional investors) know what had gone on which scuppered further investment. There's sometimes more ways of skinning a cat than one. Some people/organisations are not fit for purpose and deserve to be called out. My very best wishes to you. Btw, I echo @PracticeWotUPreach advice, I prepared my own Bundle too which saved on costs significantly.

TinaM79

@Santosha12 and @PracticeWotUPreach thank you so much for you're support. I have had to do everything on my own for the past 3 years, my union was rubbish and I though ACAS were too but it turns out that he was not giving the correct information if any. Luckily my ex employers discrimination continued that I was able to start the process again and with the help of ai I managed to get to appeal school governors and although nothing changed for me, they got scared and made some changes. Their behaviour was so disgusting I got rid of my union and got a solicitor but there is no way I can afford to go all the the way to court.

I have now completed an et1 so I am hoping they will get scared enough to make me an offer, they have destroyed my life....you know they offered me £250? How offensive. Sorry ranting

Santosha12

Hi @TinaM79

You're perfectly entitled to rant, not that you were ranting!

I don't know if you've looked at advicenow.org.uk

That takes you to YESS (Your Employment Settlement Service) a not-for-profit organisation /charity.

I don't think 'Advicenow' provide Tribunal representation but have self-help guides and very comprehensive advice, both online and in-person training. Either of these though could help you in your direction and decision making process.

I would also look at the Tribunal Service online at educational establishments (including the one you worked for), more out of curiosity but to see if any precedents have been set in any previous proceedings.

Sorry if you're already aware of all of the above. I'm no legal expert, I was knowledgeable in employment law but c 20 years ago so out of date now for sure.

Btw, as an aside, my preparation of my own Bundle didn't end up saving on costs and my 'no win no fee' was decided upon a bit later in the process.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @TinaM79. Sorry you're going through all of this, it seems very stressful. I used to work in a school and needed reasonable adjustments. I spoke to Occupational Health who told the school what I needed and luckily for me, they did what they needed to do. It's sad that they only made changes when they got scared by your appeal.

I'm not familiar with the process of going to court so I'm unable to help in that respect. Do you have some support in place to help you deal with everything?

SheffieldMan1976

I remember that time in November 1997 when Boots' fired me for swearing when I stabbed myself putting sharp tags on Baby clothes! By rights I should've sued them into the next Century for wrongful dismissal as they put me on the dangerous job in the first place.

SoapySoutar

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1111769#Comment_1111769

Working in Boots is obviously different to working in a scaffolding yard. I'm not sure you would have much grounds to sue your employer in this instance. Just how loudly were you swearing?

TinaM79

Thank you, hiw do i look at the tribunal service of line?

TinaM79

I have done it all on my own with help of ai, I have had no choice but to trust it was all correct, then i got a solicor and paid £1.5k I can't afford to go ahead but they shouldn't get away with it

SCecilia

Oakland's Solicitors will take your case on potentially for a No Win No Fee settlement whereby they take a percentage if you are successful. It will fall under psychological distress. Stick to your guns. These organisations are unscrupulous and if we don't make a stand those coming behind us face a tougher future. Irrespectively these organisations like to pick and choose who they want to help and what rules to follow Good Luck. X

TinaM79

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1111877#Comment_1111877

Thanks, I contacted about 4 no won no fee places, 3 never bothered getting back to me and one said I could get a years salary. They take 33% if I win, no chance