Unfair Dismissal Claims

Expert Legal Support for Employment Termination Disputes

If you’ve been dismissed from your job unfairly, our experienced employment law solicitors can help you challenge the decision and seek compensation. We understand the shock and stress of losing your job and provide sensitive, effective legal support. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is Unfair Dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when an employer terminates your employment without a fair reason or without following proper procedures. While employers have the right to dismiss employees, the law protects workers from dismissals that are unreasonable, discriminatory, or procedurally unfair.

Do You Have an Unfair Dismissal Claim?

You may have a claim if:

You were dismissed without a valid reason
Proper procedures weren’t followed
The dismissal was discriminatory
You were dismissed for an automatically unfair reason
The sanction was disproportionate to the issue

Types of Dismissal

What Counts as Dismissal

Contract termination (with or without notice)
Non-renewal of fixed-term contracts
Redundancy (including voluntary)
Dismissal for industrial action
Prevention from returning after maternity leave
Forced resignation (constructive dismissal)

What Doesn’t Count

Temporary suspension
Voluntary resignation
Mutual agreement to part ways
Frustration of contract
End of fixed-term contract (if expected)

Fair Reasons for Dismissal

Potentially Fair Grounds

Capability – Performance or qualification issues
Conduct – Misconduct or disciplinary matters
Redundancy – Genuine business restructuring
Statutory Restriction – Legal barriers to employment
Other Substantial Reason – Business reorganization

Procedural Requirements

Even with fair grounds, employers must:

Follow proper procedures
Conduct fair investigations
Give employees chance to respond
Consider alternatives to dismissal
Apply sanctions consistently

Automatically Unfair Dismissals

Protected Reasons

Dismissal is automatically unfair if related to:

Pregnancy or maternity leave
Family leave (paternity, adoption, parental)
Health and safety concerns
Whistleblowing activities
Trade union membership or activities
Asserting statutory rights
Jury service

No Qualifying Period

Most unfair dismissal claims need 2 years’ service
Automatically unfair reasons have no minimum
Discrimination claims have no minimum
Some other exceptions apply

Discriminatory Dismissals

Protected Characteristics

Dismissal is discriminatory if based on:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage/civil partnership
Pregnancy/maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

Evidence Requirements

Proof of Dismissal

Termination letter or email
P45 documentation
Text messages or communications
Witness statements
Meeting minutes

Written Reasons

Right to written reasons after 2 years’ service
Automatic right if pregnant
Must be provided within 14 days of request
Can be used as evidence in claims

The Claims Process

Initial Steps

Gather evidence of dismissal
Request written reasons
Consider internal appeal
Contact ACAS for conciliation
Prepare tribunal claim

Tribunal Proceedings

Submit ET1 claim form
Respond to employer’s ET3
Preliminary hearings
Disclosure of documents
Final hearing

Compensation Awards

Basic Award

Calculated like redundancy pay
Based on age, service, and weekly pay
Maximum weekly pay cap applies
Current maximum: £19,290 (2024)

Compensatory Award

Loss of earnings
Loss of benefits
Loss of pension rights
Injury to feelings (discrimination)
Current maximum: £105,707 (2024)

Why Choose Connaught Law

Specialist unfair dismissal expertise
High success rate at tribunals
Understanding of complex dismissal law
No win no fee options available
Comprehensive case preparation

Our Approach

Free initial assessment
Honest advice on prospects
Strategic case development
Strong negotiation skills
Tribunal representation

Time Limits

Three months less one day from dismissal
ACAS conciliation can extend deadline
Strict time limits apply
Act quickly to preserve rights

Next Steps

Don’t accept unfair treatment in the workplace. Our employment law specialists will review your dismissal, assess your claim’s strength, and guide you through the process of challenging your employer’s decision. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for a confidential consultation about your unfair dismissal claim.

Unfair Dismissal