Unfair Dismissal Solicitors
Specialist employment lawyers in London and the South East – helping employees and senior executives challenge unfair dismissal.
Decades of experience in challenging unfair dismissal.
Losing your job can be deeply unsettling – especially if the dismissal feels unfair, unjustified or procedurally flawed. You might have been let go without warning, pressured to resign or dismissed after raising concerns.
Whatever the circumstances, our unfair dismissal solicitors are here to help you understand your legal position, protect your interests and explore your best options.
Practical support for every stage
We bring extensive experience supporting employees and senior executives across sectors in challenging unfair dismissal and securing positive outcomes. Whether you’re considering a legal claim, negotiating your exit or simply want to know where you stand, we’ll guide you with strategic, honest advice and clear legal expertise.
Tailored advice for senior executives
Reputation, contractual obligations, complex remuneration and internal politics can all influence how a dismissal unfolds. We offer discreet, strategic advice to help you protect your position, preserve your reputation and secure favourable terms – or pursue a claim where appropriate.
A trusted team with proven results
Our specialist unfair dismissal solicitors have a strong track record in identifying unlawful practices, negotiating early settlements and successfully representing clients in employment tribunal claims when needed.
We’ll help you assess whether your dismissal was unlawful, explain your options clearly and support you through every step – from early discussions to formal legal action.
Expert advice, easy to access
We’re recognised in the Legal 500, accredited by Lexcel for excellence in client service and members of the Employment Lawyers Association. We have offices in London and the South East, with remote consultations available – making expert advice accessible wherever you are.
What counts as unfair dismissal?
You may have been unfairly dismissed if your employer:
- Did not have a fair reason to dismiss you.
- Failed to follow a proper process, such as warning you or holding a disciplinary meeting.
- Acted unreasonably, even if there was a potentially fair reason.
- Dismissed you for a reason that was automatically unfair (e.g. whistleblowing, asserting statutory rights, taking maternity leave).
Even in cases of gross misconduct, where dismissal without notice might be justified, your employer still has a duty to investigate fairly and follow a proper disciplinary process. If they don’t, the dismissal could still be considered unfair.
To claim ordinary unfair dismissal, you’ll usually need to have been employed for at least two years. However, some claims, such as discrimination or automatic unfair dismissal, don’t require a minimum period of service.
Some employees may also be entitled to claim wrongful dismissal, where the issue relates to breach of contract or lack of proper notice, or constructive dismissal, where you’re forced to resign because of your employer’s behaviour.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
Do I have a valid claim?
If you’ve been dismissed and believe it was unfair, you may be entitled to bring a claim in the employment tribunal. Common examples include:
- Dismissal with no warnings or disciplinary procedure.
- Being dismissed for a reason your employer can’t justify.
- A flawed or biased investigation.
- Retaliation for raising concerns, taking family leave or asserting your rights.
- Being forced to resign due to poor treatment (constructive dismissal).
- Dismissal in breach of your notice period or contract (wrongful dismissal).
- Being accused of gross misconduct but dismissed without a fair investigation or hearing.
We’ll assess whether you have a valid claim, advise on your next steps and represent you throughout the process if needed.
Is it worth negotiating a settlement?
In many cases, it’s possible to resolve an unfair dismissal issue without going to tribunal. If your employer is open to negotiation, or has offered a settlement agreement, we’ll advise you on the strength of your position and help you secure a better deal.
Meet our employment law partners
Why choose our unfair dismissal solicitors?
- Specialists in unfair dismissal – Decades of experience advising on unfair, wrongful and constructive dismissal.
- Strong tribunal record – Skilled in early resolution but fully equipped to represent you at employment tribunal if needed.
- Recognised for results and service – We combine top-tier credentials with a track record of securing positive outcomes for our clients.
- Easy to reach – Offices in London City and the South East, with remote access nationwide.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Unfairly dismissed? Take action with expert support.
We know how damaging an unfair dismissal can be – to your income, your confidence and your reputation. Whether you want to challenge your employer, negotiate a better exit or explore a claim, we’ll give you clear, strategic advice from the outset.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal?
Unfair dismissal is about whether your employer had a fair reason and followed the correct process. Wrongful dismissal is about breach of contract - usually when you’ve not been given proper notice or pay. You can sometimes bring both claims. We’ll review your case and explain the differences, helping you decide which route is best based on your employment contract and how your dismissal was handled.
What if I was forced to resign – can I still claim unfair dismissal?
Yes - if you resigned because of your employer’s behaviour, you may have a constructive dismissal claim. This applies if your employer seriously breached your contract or created an intolerable working environment. It’s legally complex and depends on timing and evidence. Our constructive dismissal solicitors will help you decide whether to bring a claim and how best to present your case.
What compensation could I get for unfair dismissal?
If your claim succeeds, you may receive a basic award (similar to redundancy pay) and a compensatory award for lost income. Compensation varies depending on your age, salary and how long it takes you to find new work. There’s usually a cap, but some automatically unfair cases aren’t limited. Your unfair dismissal solicitor will give you a realistic idea of what your claim might be worth.
I’ve been suspended for alleged gross misconduct – what should I do?
Don’t panic or resign. Suspension is a neutral act while your employer investigates, but it should be handled fairly. You should be told what the allegation is and what the process involves. Before responding or attending any meeting, seek legal advice. We’ll explain what to expect and help you prepare your response to protect your job or legal position.
How long do I have to bring an unfair dismissal claim?
You must start Acas Early Conciliation within three months less one day of your employment ending - usually your last working day. This applies to most unfair dismissal claims, including ordinary, constructive and automatic unfair dismissal. Once conciliation ends, you’ll get a certificate giving you around a month to submit your tribunal claim. The deadline is strict and extensions are rare, so it’s important to act quickly. We’ll help you calculate the deadline and make sure your claim is issued in time.
How do I know if I’ve been unfairly dismissed?
You may have been unfairly dismissed if your employer didn’t have a valid reason or failed to follow a fair procedure. Common examples include being dismissed without warning, without a proper investigation, or because of something discriminatory or retaliatory. You usually need at least two years’ service to bring an unfair dismissal claim, although there are exceptions. We’ll review your case, explain your rights and help you decide whether to challenge the dismissal or explore a negotiated outcome instead.
Can I settle an unfair dismissal claim without going to tribunal?
Yes. Many unfair dismissal cases settle before reaching a tribunal - often through Acas Early Conciliation or private negotiation. Settlement can help you move on faster, avoid stress and secure a financial agreement without a public hearing. Our unfair dismissal solicitors will assess the strength of your claim, explain your options, and help you negotiate a settlement that reflects your rights and goals.
Can I claim unfair dismissal for gross misconduct?
Yes - even where gross misconduct is alleged, your employer must investigate fairly, follow a proper process and give you the chance to respond. If the accusation was exaggerated, the procedure rushed, or the outcome inconsistent with past practice, your dismissal could still be unfair. Your unfair dismissal solicitor will look at how things were handled and help you decide whether to bring a claim.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.