Attending an employment tribunal after leaving my job

[FatController]

I have recently taken voluntary severence from my job. The letter accompanying my severence offer says that I will be expected to attend employment tribunals if the company requires me to. I was a line manager of a big team and have appeared at tribunal on several occasions to represent the company.

My question is, can the company force me to attend?
I would be happy to go, however, I have just started a postgrad degree and my attendance at classes forms part of my final grade!
Many thanks!

Your employer can request that the Employment Tribunal issue an order to you requiring your attendance at an Employment Tribunal if your evidence is considered an important part of the case. The Employment Tribunal would take into account your reasons for refusal and it is possible that a postponement would be granted, you can also give your college a copy of your correspondance from the Tribunal and I am sure they could take your absence into account, it would not be fair to mark you down if the absence was out of your control.

My mouth dropped open a bit at the 'several occasions'!

Are there any tribunal claims on going or imminent? If not, it seems unlikely to happen as the longer after you've left employment the less likely it is that any testimony would be either relevant or useful. I would think it's more likely to be an issue if there is a claim currently being brought or likely to be shortly, which you would probably have knowledge of.

Can you ask for payment and expenses to attend tribunals given that you are doing it for your former employers benefit?

Flowery, "several occasions" was because I was there for 15 years in roles managing huge numbers of people.

There is 1 case at the appeal stage of the grievance process that might result in tribunal so if it comes to it, I will follow Forever's advice, a postponement could be useful. Thank you!