Unfair Dismissal factsheet

Published on: 27/12/2023

This factsheet aims to provide a basic overview of unfair dismissal.  

The main legislation which deals with unfair dismissal is contained within the Employment Rights Act 1996. Unfair Dismissal is a very complex area of employment law. 

What is Unfair Dismissal?

Every employee has a statutory right not to be unfairly dismissed.

Unfair dismissal usually occurs where:

  • An employer dismisses an employee without a fair and justifiable reason; and/or
  • An employer dismisses an employee and fails to follow the correct procedures