Hope someone can help me out with this.

About six months ago I agreed to represent one of my work colleagues during a flexible working request meeting. Due to the nature of the business and the location of those involved, the meeting was held via a telephone voice conference. Without going into the detail, it was clear from the way the meeting was conducted that the outcome had been decided before the meeting took place. The apeal went pretty much the same way.

The person involved has been off work with stress for the past 5 months due to this and I have had no contact with her. The problem I have is, now that she has returned to work and sent me an email asking if I would be free to attend an ET as her witness.

Firstly, the hearing is in Exeter and I live in the North East! If I attended, who would pay my expences?

Secondly, I don't really want to appear as a witness against my employer, would I have any choice? Could I refuse?

Any advise would be welcome.

if employer will only allow unpaid leave, loss of earnings can be claimed back from tribunal (but only up to a certain daily amount). they also cover travel expenses, and prefer you to use public transport!

It appears you may have evidence against your employer and you have to decide what is morally right. Or to not if you are not particularly concerned with morals.

Sorry, but they are the basic facts of being a witness and I am not attempting to be harsh-just realistic.

However, you are protected against victimisation should you give evidence against them and it transpires your employers then make your life hard.

Also, should your ex-colleague win her case then your employers may think twice about revenge as they will be in a weaker position and they would need to be very careful toward you.