It is understandably distressing when you believe documents in your Employment Tribunal (ET) case — including your ET1 claim form or the hearing bundles — have been altered without your consent. Many claimants feel overwhelmed when the paperwork does not match what they originally submitted, especially when multiple bundles appear and they are asked to “agree” to documents they do not recognise.
This guidance explains, in plain English, how Employment Tribunal documents should be handled, what to do if you believe alterations have occurred, and the practical steps available to protect your position and regain clarity.
Understanding the issue or context
You explained that:
- you believe the respondent has altered your claim,
- the ET1 form does not match what you submitted,
- you were given six bundles,
- you were expected to agree to documents from the first to the last, even though changes appeared across them.
This type of situation can feel chaotic and unfair. Many claimants face similar confusion when bundles are repeatedly revised or when documents appear in the respondent’s bundle that do not match their own records.
Your concern is valid: your case must be based on your original pleadings, not altered documents.
The legal rules or framework
1. Your ET1 claim cannot be altered by the respondent
Only you can amend your ET1.
The respondent has no authority to change:
- your wording,
- your allegations,
- your factual statements.
If the respondent wants clarity, they must request it through the tribunal, not rewrite your case.
2. The tribunal issues an official copy of your ET1
The version held by the tribunal is the authoritative copy.
If the bundle contains something different, you can challenge it.
3. Bundles can be updated — but not altered
Bundles may be:
- reorganised,
- supplemented,
- corrected for pagination,
but documents should not be altered or replaced without agreement.
4. You must not be forced to agree to inaccurate bundle content
Parties are encouraged to agree the bundle index, not the accuracy of the respondent’s documents.
You can:
- dispute documents,
- refuse to treat them as accurate,
- highlight discrepancies to the tribunal.
5. If documents appear inconsistent or falsified, you must raise this formally
Any suspected alteration to:
- ET1 forms,
- witness statements,
- dates,
- emails,
- other evidence,
should be brought to the tribunal’s attention immediately.
6. Complaints against the tribunal are possible but should be used carefully
A complaint can be made if there is:
- administrative error,
- failure to make reasonable adjustments,
- procedural unfairness.
It is not used to challenge judicial decisions — that must be done through an appeal.
Practical steps to take (step-by-step guidance)
1. Obtain the official ET1 from the tribunal
Email the tribunal office and request:
“A certified copy of the ET1 as originally submitted to the Employment Tribunal.”
This gives you the authoritative version.
2. Compare your records with the respondent’s bundle
Identify:
- changes,
- added paragraphs,
- missing sections,
- alterations in wording.
List discrepancies clearly.
3. Prepare a written note for the tribunal
Set out:
- that the respondent’s bundle includes altered versions of your documents,
- what the differences are,
- why this affects fairness,
- what documents you ask the tribunal to rely on (the original ET1).
4. Raise the issue at the next hearing or preliminary hearing
You can say:
“I do not agree that the version of the ET1 in the Respondent’s bundle is accurate. The original filed with the Tribunal should be used.”
5. Request directions from the tribunal
You may ask the judge to order:
- that the original ET1 replaces the incorrect one in the bundle,
- that disputed documents be identified or separated.
6. Store all evidence securely
If you believe documents were altered intentionally:
- keep copies of all originals,
- retain timestamps,
- keep emails and submission receipts.
This is crucial if the matter is raised formally.
7. Consider an appeal if the judgment relied on altered documents
If a final decision has been made and you believe the tribunal relied on inaccurate or falsified material, you may have grounds to appeal on the basis of:
- procedural unfairness,
- error of law,
- breach of natural justice.
Appeals are time-limited (usually 42 days).
8. If you believe a crime has been committed, preserve evidence
Altering evidence can amount to:
- perverting the course of justice, or
- fraud.
If the police are already investigating, keep everything organised for disclosure.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Agreeing to the respondent’s bundle index without checking the contents.
- Assuming you must accept documents you know are incorrect.
- Raising the issue informally instead of providing a clear written complaint to the tribunal.
- Missing appeal deadlines.
- Not keeping your original ET1 submission and confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the respondent edit my ET1?
No. Only you can amend your claim.
What if the judge thinks the respondent’s version is correct?
You can produce the official ET1 issued by the tribunal — this settles the issue.
Do I have to agree to the bundle?
You can agree to the index, but challenge the accuracy of documents.
What if I suspect intentional alteration?
Raise this in writing with the tribunal and preserve all evidence.
Can I file a complaint?
Yes — for administrative issues or failure to make reasonable adjustments.
For judicial decisions, use an appeal.
Can this affect the outcome of my case?
Potentially, yes — which is why raising it promptly is essential.
Conclusion
If you’d like to understand your rights and options in plain English, visit LegalGuidance.org — a free resource powered by Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.
For professional, fixed-fee advice from a UK solicitor, visit MartinTaggart.com.
This information is general guidance only and not legal advice. For personalised support, please contact Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.