# The Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024, Rule 3: Overriding objective

Extent: E+W+S

(1) The overriding objective of these Rules is to enable the Tribunal to deal with cases fairly and justly.
(2) Dealing with a case fairly and justly includes, so far as practicable—
(a) ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing,
(b) dealing with cases in ways which are proportionate to the complexity and importance of the issues,
(c) avoiding unnecessary formality and seeking flexibility in the proceedings,
(d) avoiding delay, so far as compatible with proper consideration of the issues, and
(e) saving expense.
(3) The Tribunal must seek to give effect to the overriding objective when it—
(a) exercises any power under these Rules, or
(b) interprets any rule or practice direction.
(4) The parties and their representatives must—
(a) assist the Tribunal to further the overriding objective, and
(b) co-operate generally with each other and with the Tribunal.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1155/rule/3 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/employment-tribunal-procedure-rules-2024/rule-3
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.