Unfair dismissal is when your employer ends your employment without a fair reason or a fair process. In many cases you may be entitled to compensation awarded by an Employment Tribunal.
Who can claim
You usually need at least 2 years' continuous service, but for 'automatically unfair' reasons (e.g. pregnancy/maternity, whistleblowing, asserting a statutory right) no minimum service is required — you may claim from day one.
Time limit to claim
Generally you have 3 months less one day from the event to start a claim in the Employment Tribunal. ACAS early conciliation can extend this. Deadlines are strict — act quickly.
What you can recover
Compensation usually includes a basic award (based on age, service and pay) and a compensatory award for lost earnings. The amount depends on your circumstances.
Mandatory step: ACAS Early Conciliation
Before a claim reaches the Employment Tribunal you must notify ACAS (Early Conciliation) — a formal requirement, not an option. ACAS issues a certificate with a number; without it the tribunal will reject the claim. The conciliation period pauses the three-months-less-one-day clock, so the real deadline is often later than the event date alone suggests.
What evidence matters
The strongest evidence is created at the time: your contract, the written dismissal letter stating the reason, emails and messages, minutes of disciplinary meetings, payslips, and any grievance procedure record. A phone photo is enough — legibility and dates are what count.
How it works
Fill in the short form and attach your documents (contract, correspondence, dismissal letter, payslips) — you can take a phone photo. We'll assess your case for free and contact you, usually within 1–2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to submit?
No. Submitting and the initial assessment are free and no-obligation (no-win no-fee — details agreed if we take the case).
How long do I have to claim?
Usually 3 months less one day from the event; ACAS early conciliation can extend it. Get in touch as soon as possible.
Do I have to contact ACAS first?
Yes. Notifying ACAS (Early Conciliation) is mandatory before filing an Employment Tribunal claim. ACAS issues a certificate with a number — without it the tribunal rejects the claim. We handle this for you if we take your case.
Can I claim while still working for the employer?
Yes. Many claims — discrimination, unpaid wages, unlawful deductions — do not require your employment to have ended. The law also prohibits retaliation for asserting your rights (victimisation).
Do I need 2 years' service?
Usually yes, but not for automatically unfair dismissals (pregnancy, whistleblowing, asserting rights) — then no minimum service applies.
What documents help?
Your employment contract, dismissal letter, payslips and correspondence with your employer. You can add them as phone photos.
The above is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different and time limits are strict — contact us as soon as possible so you don't lose your right to claim.