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Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Losing your job can be devastating, especially if it feels unjust. This not only disrupts your financial stability but can also knock your confidence and career progress.
If you've been let go without proper reason or your employer hasn't followed the correct procedures, you might be facing what's known as unfair dismissal.
An unfair dismissal can take many forms. Perhaps you've been terminated without a fair reason, the dismissal process didn't follow legal requirements, your redundancy was handled unfairly, or you were dismissed for raising legitimate concerns about your workplace. Whatever the scenario, the feeling of being treated unfairly can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps.
At Lawhive, we understand the toll that unfair dismissal can take. Not to mention that standing up against unfair dismissal can be intimidating, especially if you fear retaliation or further harm to your career.
Our mission is to provide employees with accessible, affordable, and expert legal support to help challenge unfair decisions and seek justice. As such, our network of specialist employment solicitors is on hand to provide clear, actionable advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping you assess whether your dismissal qualifies as unfair and what you can do about it.
From initial consultations to filing your claim and representing you at the Employment Tribunal, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of your unfair dismissal case.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to find out how we can help you challenge unfair dismissal.
Unfair dismissal refers to a situation where an employee's termination from their job is unjust, either because there was no valid reason for the dismissal or because the employer did not follow the proper legal procedures.
For a dismissal to be considered fair, it must be based on:
Further, the dismissal must be reasonable under the circumstances.
This means that any reasonable employer in the same situation would consider dismissal as an appropriate and proportionate response to the employee's behaviour or the business situation.
Even if there is a valid reason for dismissal, employers must follow a fair process. This includes:
A dismissal may be classed as unfair if there is no valid reason that falls into one of the legally acceptable categories under the Employment Rights Act 1996 or if the employer doesn't follow a fair process in line with statutory requirements and the company's procedures.
Unfair dismissal deals with the overall fairness and reasonableness of the dismissal process as defined by UK employment law.
Wrongful dismissal, however, is based on common law principles related to contract law and relates to the breach of contract at the time of dismissal, such as failing to provide the required notice period or not following the contractual disciplinary procedure.
| Unfair Dismissal | Wrongful Dismissal | |
| Governing Law | Employment Rights Act 1996 | Contract law |
| Eligibility | Employees with at least two years of service (except for automatically unfair dismissals) | No length of service requirement |
| Focus of Claim | Fairness of the dismissal reason and process | Breach of the terms of the employment contract |
| Example | Dismissal without valid reason or fair procedure | Dismissal without proper notice or breach of contract terms |
| Remedies | Reinstatement, re-engagement, compensation | Financial compensation for breach of contract |
At Lawhive, we provide a free case evaluation to determine whether you have a case for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, or both.
Further, our network of experienced employment lawyers is on hand to explain your rights, the differences between the claims, and the most suitable course of action based on your circumstances.
Contact us today to find out more.
To be eligible to claim unfair dismissal, most employees must have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least two years.
However, there are circumstances where the two-year qualifying period does not apply. Key exceptions include:
These include dismissals related to:
To bring an unfair dismissal claim, the standard time limit is three months from the dismissal date.
Unfair dismissals follow a set process, and timelines can vary depending on at what stage the claim is resolved.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps involved and how long they might take. However, it's important to note that this may vary depending on the situation.
Before submitting a claim to the tribunal, employees are required to notify Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and engage in Early Conciliation.
This process can take up to a month, with an option to extend by another two weeks if both parties agree to continue conciliation.
If conciliation fails or you choose not to engage in it, you can proceed by filing a claim with the Employment Tribunal.
This step is typically quick, taking about a week to complete.
However, once your claim is submitted, the tribunal will send a copy to your employer who has 28 days to respond. This period can sometimes be extended if the employer requests additional time and the tribunal agrees.
The tribunal may schedule a preliminary hearing to clarify the issues, establish a timeline for the case, and make any necessary orders for further evidence or submissions.
This hearing usually takes place within a couple of months after the initial claim submission.
Once the preliminary steps are complete, the tribunal will set a date for the final hearing. Due to varying tribunal workloads and case complexities, the hearing may be scheduled several months after the preliminary hearing.
The final hearing itself can range from a single day to several days.
After the hearing, the tribunal will deliberate and issue its judgment. This decision can be delivered on the same day or, more commonly, be reserved to be provided in writing later.
The written judgment is typically issued within a few weeks after the hearing.
If both parties are open to settlement negotiations or mediation, the case might be resolved faster.
Conversely, if either party is uncooperative, the process can take much longer.
Your evidence in an unfair dismissal claim must show that your dismissal was unjustified or your employer failed to follow fair and proper procedures.
Types of evidence required for a strong unfair dismissal claim include:
Acas is an independent public body that provides free and impartial information, advice, and services to help resolve workplace disputes, including unfair dismissal.
Before an employee can file an unfair dismissal claim, they must tell Acas of their intention to bring a claim and participate in the early conciliation process to explore the possibility of a settlement.
If conciliation is unsuccessful or the parties do not wish to continue, Acas will issue an Early Conciliation Certificate.
This certificate is required to proceed with an Employment Tribunal claim.
An employment lawyer can provide invaluable support in your unfair dismissal claim, ensuring your rights are protected and increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
A solicitor can help at all stages to:
Legally, you don't have to engage a solicitor to make an unfair dismissal claim. You can, instead, choose to represent yourself as a litigant in person.
That being said, engaging a solicitor can help you increase your chances of a successful claim.
Solicitors specialising in unfair dismissal claims have in-depth knowledge of the legal framework governing these types of claims. As such, the key benefits of engaging a solicitor include:
There are no tribunal fees for filing an unfair dismissal claim or for the hearing itself.
Further, some solicitors operate on a conditional fee agreement (commonly known as no win, no fee), where you only pay if your claim is successful.
As such, there may be no upfront costs involved in making an unfair dismissal claim.
However, if your claim is unsuccessful, the tribunal may (in very rare cases) order you to pay your employer's legal costs.
If your unfair dismissal claim is successful, it means that the Employment Tribunal has found that your dismissal was unjustified or that your employer did not follow the proper legal procedures in terminating your employment.
A successful unfair dismissal claim can lead to:
Regardless of the remedies, employers are legally required to comply with the tribunal's orders within a set period.
One possible outcome of an unfair dismissal claim is reinstatement or reintegration, however, either must be feasible and practical for both parties.
Returning to the same workplace after a dispute however can be challenging, especially if relationships have been strained or the working environment is no longer supportive.
As such, if reinstatement or re-engagement is seen to be impractical or undesirable, the tribunal may award financial compensation instead.
Compensation for an unfair dismissal claim in the UK is designed to address the financial losses and emotional impact experienced by an employee due to unjust termination.
Compensation generally comprises two main components: the basic award and the compensatory award.
The basic award is calculated using a statutory formula based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay.
The maximum total basic award is £19,290 or 30 weeks' pay, whichever is lower.
You get:
The weekly pay used for calculation is capped at a statutory maximum, currently £669.
Example: If you were unfairly dismissed at 45 years old, with 10 years of service and a weekly pay of £700:
The compensatory award covers the financial losses resulting from the unfair dismissal, including lost wages and benefits, future loss of earnings, and other expenses.
The compensatory award is capped at £105,707 or one year’s gross pay, whichever is lower.
That being said, you are expected to take reasonable steps to mitigate your losses, such as actively seeking new employment.
Further, any income earned from a new job will be deducted from the compensatory award.
Factors that could influence compensation amounts for unfair dismissal claims include:
Many unfair dismissal cases are settled before reaching the tribunal with a settlement agreement.
Settlement amounts can vary widely based on negotiation but typically consider potential tribunal awards and the desire to avoid litigation costs.
If your unfair dismissal claim is unsuccessful, it means the Employment Tribunal has determined that your dismissal was fair or that your employer followed the correct legal procedures.
As such, you won't receive compensation or remedies. You may also be responsible for any legal costs incurred during the tribunal process, including solicitor's fees.
You may, however, be able to appeal the tribunal's decision if you believe:
Appeals must be lodged within 42 days of receiving the tribunal’s written judgment.
However, you should consult with a solicitor to decide whether you have sufficient grounds for an appeal and if it is viable.
At Lawhive, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and expert legal guidance throughout your unfair dismissal claim.
Our network of experienced solicitors will explain your rights, outline your options, and help you understand the potential outcomes, so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Should you choose to proceed with a claim, your solicitor will also assist in completing and filing the ET1 form and, if required, handle all aspects of case management, including representation during the tribunal hearing if you need it.
To learn more about how we can support you with your unfair dismissal claim, contact our Legal Assessment Team for a free case evaluation.
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