We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
How to dismiss staff fairly, working within dismissal rules and dealing with dismissals relating to whistleblowing.
Dismissal is when you end an employee’s contract. When dismissing staff,…
You must have a valid reason for dismissing an employee. Valid reasons…
Even if you think you’ve dismissed someone fairly, they could still claim…
Employees can only claim unfair dismissal if they’ve worked for a…
You can dismiss an employee if: they’re incapable of doing their job to…
Sometimes an employee may have to stop working because of long-term ill…
During the dismissal procedure, make sure you act fairly and reasonably.…
Dismissal is when your employer ends your employment - reasons you can be dismissed, unfair and constructive dismissal and what to do if you're dismissed
Dismissal is when your employer ends your employment - they do not always…
There are some situations when your employer can dismiss you fairly. Not…
In certain situations, you may be able to take legal action if you’re…
If you’re threatened with dismissal (or are dismissed) you can get help…
If your employer is 'insolvent' this means it cannot pay its debts - your rights if this happens, claiming money owed to you, where to get advice
Your employer is insolvent if it cannot pay its debts. They might: make…
You have different rights depending on whether your employer: makes you…
What money you’re entitled to depends on: how long you were employed what…
You’re eligible to apply if: you were an employee you’re a UK or EEA…
It usually takes up to 6 weeks to get your payment but can take longer.…
Disciplinary action, redundancy and employee rights
Rules employers must follow when making staff redundant - consultations, notice periods, compulsory and non-compulsory redundancy and redundancy pay.
Guidance for employers, employees and their representatives in dismissal and re-engagement scenarios.
Employment Appeal Tribunal Judgment of Judge Tucker on 22 October 2025.
Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber decision by Judge Citron on 12 May 2026.
Employment Appeal Tribunal Judgment of Michael Ford, Deputy Judge of the High Court on 19 December 2025.
Employment Tribunal decision.
Do not include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).