If an attempt to resolve an issue directly with your employer through informal and formal routes has not worked, it may be worth using the law. You should take advice before doing this, either from your union, a solicitor, a specialist charity or an advice agency.

There are a number of different courts and tribunals that can deal with work-related cases. Each also has an appeal route. They are:

• employment tribunals;
• civil courts;
• criminal courts; and
• other tribunals.

There are also legally prescribed alternatives to formal hearings in a court or tribunal, which may be a better way to proceed. For example, some disputes are better suited to mediation by employment advisory service Acas. The TUC and Acas have produced joint advice (PDF) on the kinds of dispute that are suited to mediation. Mediation is voluntary, so both sides must agree before you can go down this route.