How to Write a Good Witness Statement for an Employment Tribunal?

Why Your Witness Statement Matters

Your witness statement is often the backbone of your case. Tribunal judges rely on it to understand what happened — and once submitted, you usually can’t add new facts, so getting it right from the start is crucial.

A strong statement will:

• Build your credibility and strengthen your claim.

• Connect facts, evidence, and documents into a clear timeline.

• Reduce surprises during cross-examination.

• Help the tribunal understand the full context.

According to ACAS anditizens Advice, clear, structured statements improve your chances of success significantly.

Before You Start: Core Principles

Keep these key points in mind before drafting your witness statement:

• Tell the truth: Never exaggerate or speculate. Credibility is everything.

• Write clearly: Use plain English, not legal jargon.

• Stick to relevant facts: Focus only on details that support your claim.

• Use the first person: It’s your statement, so it should sound like you.

• Number your paragraphs: This makes it easier for the tribunal to follow and reference.

For best practice, see Working Families’ guidance on witness statements.

How to Structure a Witness Statement

A clear structure helps the judge follow your narrative and strengthens your argument. Follow this order:

1. Header and Title

Include “Witness Statement,” your full name, case number, and the respondent’s name.

2. Introduction and Background

State your name, address, job title, length of employment, and relationship to the case.

3. Chronological Account of Events

Lay out the facts in order. If dates are approximate, say so (“around March 2024”).

4. Reference Supporting Documents

When mentioning evidence, cite it clearly (e.g. “see Email to HR, page 14”).

5. Describe the Impact

Explain how events affected you — financially, emotionally, or professionally.

6. Statement of Truth

End with:

“I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.”

 Sign and date it.

Tips for Writing a Strong Witness Statement

• Lead with dates: Start paragraphs with time marers to create a clear timeline.

• Avoid opinion: Present facts only — legal arguments come later.

• Cross-reference evidence: Always include exhibit or page numbers.

• Use headings: Break long statements into sections like “Background” or “Final Meeting.”

• Quote accurately: If offensive or inappropriate language was used, write it exactly as said.

• Proofread thoroughly: Misspelled names or missing dates damage credibility.

  
  

For more detail, AdviceNow’s guide on evidence is a helpful resource.

What to Avoid

• Hiding facts that may surface during cross-examination.

• Speculating when unure — instead, use “around” or “approximately.”

• Adding new evidence after statements are exchanged.

• Copying large text chunks — summarise instead.

After Submitting Your Statement

Once exchanged with the other party, changes are usually not alowed. During the hearing, your witness statement is often “taken as read”, and you’ll answer questions about it under cross-examination.

Learn more about what to expect as a witness in an employment tribunal.

Sample Opening Paragraph

Case number: [Your case number]

I, [Your full name], of [Your addres], formerly employed as [Your role] by [Employer], make this statement in support of my employment tribunal claim.

1. I began working at [Company] on [Date]. My role was [brief description].

2. On or around [Date], [describe the key event] (see Document A, page 15).

Need Help Writing a Good Witness Statement?

Writing a witness statement can feel overwhelming — but you don’t need to go it alone. At LetterLab, our UK letter writing service helps individuals craft clear, credible, and legally sound witness statements tailored to employment tribunal requirements.

We’re currently offering a free 250-word review of your draft so you can see exactly how we improve clarity, tone, and legal compliance before committing.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to write a good witness statement for an employment tribunal — fom structure and style to submission tips. Keep it honest, clear, and well-organised. Above all, remember your statement is your story — tell it confidently and truthfully.

Need expert help? Let LetterLab turn your notes into a polished statement that stands up in tribunal.