Unfair Dismissal Claims Solicitors

Unfair Dismissal Claims Solicitors

Being dismissed from your job can be a deeply distressing experience—especially if you believe it was unfair or unlawful. At the Jonathan Lea Network, our expert employment solicitors are here to help you understand your rights, assess your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is Unfair Dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when your employer terminates your employment without a fair reason or fails to follow a fair process. Under UK law, fair reasons for dismissal include:

• Misconduct – e.g. theft, dishonesty, or repeated breaches of company rules
• Capability or qualifications – e.g. underperformance or long-term illness.
• Redundancy – a genuine business need to reduce the workforce.
• Statutory illegality – where continuing the employment would break the law.
• Some other substantial reason (SOSR) – such as business reorganisations or irreconcilable breakdowns in working relationships.

Even if one of these reasons applies, your employer must still follow a fair disciplinary or redundancy procedure. If not, the dismissal could still be legally deemed unfair.

Automatically Unfair Dismissals

Certain reasons for dismissal are deemed automatically unfair—regardless of the employee’s length of service. These include being dismissed for:

• Pregnancy or taking maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• Whistleblowing
• Asserting statutory rights (e.g. taking rest breaks or time off for dependents)
• Trade union membership or activities
• Making a flexible working request
• Refusing to work on a Sunday (in retail)
• Taking part in lawful industrial action

If your dismissal falls into one of these categories, you could be entitled to a claim even if you’ve been employed for less than two years.

Constructive Dismissal

Constructive dismissal—also known as constructive unfair dismissal—happens when you are forced to resign due to your employer’s conduct. Examples include:

• Sudden changes to your job duties or hours
• Failure to address bullying or harassment
• Unpaid wages
• Breaches of trust and confidence

To claim constructive dismissal, you will need to prove your employer’s behaviour was so serious that it amounted to a fundamental breach of contract.

Do You Qualify to Claim?

You must generally have worked continuously for your employer for at least two years to bring a claim for unfair dismissal. However, there are exceptions (e.g. automatic unfair dismissal, discrimination claims), where this qualifying period does not apply.

It’s essential to act quickly—claims must be submitted to the Employment Tribunal within three months less one day from the date of dismissal. Before that, you must complete the mandatory Acas Early Conciliation process.

How We Can Help

Our experienced employment solicitors can:

• Assess whether your dismissal was unfair or unlawful
• Advise on the best course of action (including internal appeals, settlement, or tribunal)
• Represent you in negotiations and Employment Tribunal proceedings
• Secure favourable settlement agreements, including financial compensation and agreed references

We aim to resolve your matter efficiently and cost-effectively—while always protecting your best interests.

Why Choose the Jonathan Lea Network?

✅ Specialist employment solicitors with strong experience in employee claims

✅ Clear, jargon-free legal advice

✅ Practical support through every step—from initial consultation to resolution

✅ Flexible funding options, including fixed fees and staged billing

Contact Us

Whether you are unsure about your next steps or ready to take action, we’re here to support you.

👉 Get in touch with our Employment Law team

📞 Call us on 01444 708 640

📧 Email us at wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net

Image credit to Catia Dombaxe