Search

How can we help?

Personal Employment

Unfair dismissal lawyers 

 

What is unfair or wrongful dismissal?

Employees or workers with qualifying service have to be terminated for a fair reason, such as poor performance, capability, misconduct or redundancy, in which employers are also required to follow a fair process to justify the dismissal. If one or both of these have not happened, then a dismissal may be deemed unfair and/or wrongful. You can also be constructively (unfairly) dismissed if you resign as a result of a repudiatory breach of contract committed by your employer.

Common grounds for unfair dismissal are employers not following their processes, as set out in policies and employment contracts and dismissing for a reason which is not deemed to be fair, such as those directly related to discrimination or whistleblowing.

Employers have to meet criteria for a dismissal to be deemed fair, which includes identifying a fair reason for the dismissal and acting reasonably in dismissing for that reason by following a fair process. If this has not happened in your case, then you may have grounds to appeal the dismissal and/or raise a claim against your employer.

How our lawyers can help

Our lawyers act for both individuals and employers which means we are well equipped for assessing all angles of a claim and how to best position you when dealing with your employer, whether in terms of defending your position or negotiating an exit on favourable terms. They have represented many individuals over the years, advocating in tribunal where necessary, taking ownership of your case from start to finish. They can also guide you on choosing experienced Counsel or other experts when needed.

They can advise you on whether you are engaged as an employee, worker or contractor and what rights are available to you depending on your status.

Our lawyers can support you by:

  • Reviewing the merits of your case to determine if you have grounds to pursue an appeal or claim against your employer and provide pragmatic solutions;
  • Advising on any other relevant issues, such as discrimination in the workplace and whistleblowing;
  • Supporting you with any protected conversations;
  • Navigating you through your employer’s procedures;
  • Providing robust representation all the way to the tribunal;
  • Negotiating an exit package.

Contact Us

If you need assistance and would like to discuss any queries regarding any of the above, please get in touch with our employment law solicitors who will be happy to assist.

An exceptional balance of expertise and personality.”

Legal 500

Key contacts

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

Katie Glendinning

Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4610

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 29 October 2020
  • Employment

Warning to employers not to ignore gender and ethnicity pay gaps as new Equal Pay Bill proposed

If it becomes law the new bill would require more employers to comply with gender pay gap reporting and report on ethnicity pay gaps for the first time. It could also give female and BME employees the right to know what their male or non BME colleagues are paid.

art
  • 26 October 2020
  • Employment

ICO Updates Right of Access Guidance

Following extensive consultation that began in December 2019, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has finally published their updated guidance on the Right of Access, namely the ability for an individual to submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) to a processor of their personal data.

art
  • 22 October 2020
  • Employment

Major changes to Job Support Scheme: could it now work for your business?

The Chancellor has today announced welcome major changes to the Job Support Scheme (JSS). The changes mean the scheme is likely to be worth considering for many more employers.

art
  • 22 October 2020
  • Employment

When working from home means working from abroad: considerations for employers

Working from home is the new normal for many. Some employers have been flexible in their approach to what “at home” means in reality. As long as the job is being done, does is matter where it’s being done from?

art
  • 22 October 2020
  • Employment

Self-Isolation and Sick Pay

With the high and rising number of employees needing to self-isolate while awaiting coronavirus (COVID-19) test results, businesses need to understand their sick pay obligations.

art
  • 19 October 2020
  • Employment

£40,000 in penalties for failure to inform and consult

The Employment Appeal Tribunal decision in Verizon European Works Council v Verizon Group highlights the risk of bypassing established statutory mechanisms for informing and consulting with the workforce. Where these arrangements are national works councils or European Works Councils (EWCs), this can lead to penalties of up to £75,000.

“I would like to commend the team at Clarkslegal for their support given to me at my recent employment tribunal. Their attention to detail, foresight in their approach and ability to keep me focused were truly exceptional.”

Individual Client