What A Statement Of Case Is
You need to set out your side of the story in writing before your hearing.
A statement of case is your version of events, written in the form the Industrial Court will read.
What it means
It is the core document within your cause papers. It sets out the facts of your dismissal, what happened from your side, and the outcome you ask the court to order.
It is written from your side of the dispute, while your employer files a similar document setting out its own version of events.
Why it matters to you
The hearing builds on this document, so gaps, inconsistencies or vague claims can weaken your case later.
A statement in date order with specific dates is easier for the court to follow than a general complaint.
What should it include
Set out your employment history, the events leading to dismissal, the reason you were given, and why you believe it lacked just cause or excuse.
It sits inside your wider cause papers. Gather supporting evidence alongside it, using evidence and documentation.
If you have not confirmed that your original filing was timely, check the deadline calculator.
If you need a statement of case prepared for your Industrial Court claim, an independent employment lawyer can review the key facts of your dismissal. They can draft it for you if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
How detailed does my statement of case need to be?
It should cover the key facts clearly, in order, with enough detail for the court to understand what happened and what you are asking for, without unnecessary repetition.
Can I add new facts later if I forgot something?
This gets harder once the statement is filed, so review it carefully before you submit it.
Keep reading
If you need a statement of case prepared for your Industrial Court claim, an independent employment lawyer can review the key facts of your dismissal. They can draft it for you if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.