How to prepare your employment case information
A useful first assessment starts with a clear timeline, the relevant documents and an explanation of what you want to resolve. You do not need to write a legal argument before asking for help.
Write a short timeline
Note when employment began, what happened, who was involved and when you first raised the issue. Separate dates you know from dates you are estimating. If there are several events, list each one rather than combining them into a single account.
Gather relevant documents
- Your contract and any changes to it.
- Letters or emails about the issue, including dismissal, grievance or disciplinary correspondence where relevant.
- Payslips and an explanation of disputed amounts if the issue concerns pay.
- Any Acas correspondence and certificates you have received.
Keep original files. Do not alter evidence or collect information you are not entitled to access. Remove unrelated personal information before sharing documents for an assessment.
Distinguish facts from assumptions
Explain what you personally saw or received, what someone else told you and what you believe may have happened. Note missing evidence and points the other party may dispute. An honest account of uncertainty makes an assessment more useful.
Do not wait to check time limits
Different employment claims can have different deadlines. Use the Acas time-limit guidance and seek qualified advice promptly. Preparing documents or using this preview does not pause a deadline.
What to do next
Prepare a brief description of the problem and your preferred outcome. Acas provides a free route for workplace information. You can also read our fictional example reports to understand the proposed assessment format.
General preparation information for England and Wales. Not legal advice. The service is currently a preview.