Changing county court for another one? Is it possible?

Question

An application to enforce an ET award was made against my former employer (the organisation not the individual) to their county court. The county court has recently been changed in favour of company's boss, to his county court. I do not understand how could they change the court if the ET claim was made against the organisation and not the individual? Is it connections?

Answer 1

Once a Defendant to a County Court action lodges a response or defence, the court system automatically transfers the case to the Dedfendant's closest court.
It is an administrative act and actually means nothing. It's certainly not evidence of connections, or freemasonry or any other conspiracy.
If you are merely enforcing an ET award, then it is enforced as a debt and neither you nor your employer should ever need to set foot in the court - it will all be done on paper.
If you can show that moving the court will cause you real hardship (difficult to see how it could) you can apply for the case to be transferred back again. You need to apply to the court where the case now is.

Answer 2

I am afraid that this sort of thing goes on and is legal. The decision to move courts is a decision made by the courts. You may be able to appeal against this. Contact citzens advice bureau for free advice or ask your solicitor or trade union legal representative.

An employment tribunal decision is legally binding and can be enforced by the courts. The employer is just doing his best to annoy you.

Answer 3

The courts usually will transfer things for the convenience of the defendant - it's just the way it goes, I'm afraid. If you're that bothered, why didn't you / don't you oppose it?

Answer 4

very good question...I am sorry I don't know the answer...