Dismissal, notice and redundancy

Notice

Employees are entitled to at least one week's notice after one month's service, rising to one week per complete year of service (up to 12 weeks), unless the contract gives more.

Unfair dismissal

Employees with two years' service can usually claim unfair dismissal if they are dismissed without a fair reason and a fair process. Some dismissals are automatically unfair regardless of service — for example, for whistleblowing, asserting a statutory right, or pregnancy.

Redundancy

If your role is no longer needed, your employer should consult you, consider alternatives, and select fairly. Employees with two years' service are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment.

Act quickly

Most tribunal claims must begin with ACAS early conciliation within three months less one day of the dismissal.

General information only — not legal advice.