Been unfairly treated by your employer? Employment tribunals and anonymity orders

In many cases, somebody who has been wrongly or unfairly treated by their employer can make a claim at an employment tribunal where a Tribunal Panel will make a decision on what settlement, if any, you should receive.

However, since 2017 employment tribunal decisions have been published online which means that the names of anyone making a claim (together with the other parties involved), may show up on an internet search.

For anybody that has a criminal record, the idea that details of their conviction (including a spent conviction) could be disclosed will be enough to stop them bringing a case.

So, is there any way to stop this information going online?

The simple answer is ‘no’. However, Employment Tribunal Rules allow tribunals to make orders which prevent or restrict the public disclosure of any aspect of those proceedings. These are referred to as an anonymity order.

We’ve produced some new information on applying for an anonymity order which sets out the application process and also provides details of things to include in your application to increase your chances of success.

More information

• For practical information – We have further information on looking for (and keeping) employment and volunteering.
• Questions – If you have a question about this, you can contact our helpline.