Unfair dismissal
If you’ve been sacked and it doesn’t feel right, you may be able to challenge it at an employment tribunal.
How we can help
- Working out whether your dismissal was legally unfair, not just unfair-feeling
- Checking whether your employer followed a proper procedure before dismissing you
- Advising on the compensation you could realistically expect
- Handling ACAS early conciliation, which is compulsory before a claim
- Preparing and running your tribunal claim from start to finish
- Negotiating a settlement where that gets you a better result than a hearing
What happens next
- Tell us what happened and send us anything in writing — dismissal letter, contract, emails.
- We’ll tell you honestly whether you have a claim, what it’s worth, and what it will cost.
- If you want to proceed, we start ACAS conciliation and take it from there.
Fees for this work
Fixed fee for an initial assessment and your home insurance may include legal expenses cover — worth checking before you pay for anything.
Common questions
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Very little time. In most cases you have three months less one day from your dismissal to start the ACAS process. Miss it and a tribunal will usually refuse to hear you, however strong your case. If you have been dismissed recently, get advice this week rather than next.
Do I need a minimum length of service?
For an ordinary unfair dismissal claim there is normally a qualifying period of service. There are important exceptions — dismissals connected to discrimination, whistleblowing, pregnancy, or asserting a statutory right can be challenged from day one. Employment law in this area is changing, so it is worth checking your position rather than assuming.
What might I get if I win?
Usually two elements: a basic award calculated from your age, pay and length of service, and a compensatory award reflecting what you have actually lost. Compensation is capped, and tribunals expect you to have looked for other work. It is rarely a windfall.
Will I have to go to a hearing?
Most claims settle before that point. Where a hearing is needed you will normally have to give evidence and be questioned, which is uncomfortable but manageable with preparation. We will tell you well in advance what to expect.
Tell us what's happened
Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.